By Christina Steube

University of Mississippi

The student population continues to grow at the University of Mississippi. As a result, the Oxford campus is growing and improving to accommodate the influx of students.

Over the next few years, major construction projects will enhance campus life like these projects that are coming soon. Here is an update on each.

STEM building

Ole Miss received a $25 million lead gift from the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation for construction of a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Building in the Science District of campus. The building will provide some 207,000 square feet. Due to the extreme size of this project, preparation of the site began before design completion. Preparation included removing the Smith Engineering Science Building, Central Heating Plant and Old Power Plant along All-American Drive. Also, all existing utilities in the area will be relocated. Construction is scheduled to start later this year, with project completion expected in the 2018-2019 academic year.

Oxford-University Stadium (Swayze Field) – addition and renovations

Starting this summer, the area behind home plate will be renovated to create a Dugout Club with club seating. A two-story Performance and Operations Center also will be added. Minor renovations along the third base line and outfield terrace also are planned. This work will be done in phases and completed before the 2018 season.

University Avenue bridge

The University Avenue bridge near Old Taylor Road will be renovated to increase load capacity. During construction, the bridge will remain open to pedestrian traffic and some traffic lanes will be closed periodically throughout construction, but it will remain passable. Work begins this summer.

Garland, Hedleston

and Mayes renovation

These buildings, constructed in 1938 as men’s dormitories, are no longer viable as housing options, but they are appropriate for academic and administrative use. The buildings will be fully renovated, including the replacement of windows, roofs and mechanical, electrical, fire protection and plumbing systems. The space will be reconfigured for the School of Applied Sciences, and a two-story addition will provide classrooms. The north entrance will be updated with a new elevator and stair connector. The south courtyards will be updated with more plaza space with an ADA entrance.

Johnson Commons east renovation

The east end of Johnson Commons will undergo a full renovation. The upper floor will continue to provide banquet and large meeting spaces. The lower floor, formerly the Department of Human Resources, will be renovated to house the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Developmental Studies and the Center for Student Success — First Year Experience. Construction will begin this year and is expected to be complete in 2017.

South campus recreation

facility and transportation hub

The university acquired a 500,000-square-foot manufacturing plant (old Whirlpool plant) on 68 acres on the southwest edge of campus. Portions of the existing building will be repurposed to provide space for fitness activities, departmental offices, classrooms, food service and a hub for Ole Miss Campus Recreation and the Department of Parking and Transportation. Renovations to the exterior will transform the manufacturing plant into an active destination point for student life.

Lyceum window and

envelope restoration

The project in the central administration building includes restoration of 172 windows and repairs to the structure’s exterior envelope. Work is to begin this summer and be completed later this fall.