A number of construction projects around campus have either already been completed or will be completed by the fall semester.
Raphael Semmes Parking Garage and Bookstore The 750-car parking garage and 60,000-square-foot bookstore are slated to open in October, according to Emmett David, director of Planning, Design and Construction with the University’s Facility Services.
Business Education Complex The $60 million, 156,000-square-foot Business Education Complex officially opened March 2 in a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Forbes magazine editor-in-chief Steve Forbes.
David said the E.J. Ourso College of Business will begin moving into the new facilities on May 14, and the process will take about two weeks.
The complex will be ready for classes in the fall semester.
East Laville Hall and the new Residential College One “The University, especially Residential Life, were diligently planning years in advance for the new East Laville and the Residential College to place these bed for the fall semester’s Roaring into the Halls,” David said.
He said the halls should open in July for August occupancy.
Tiger Stadium
Tiger Stadium is undergoing a number of maintenance and renovation projects to the exterior and the stadium’s entrance while planning for additional seating in the south end zone is pending approval.
“The Athletic Department and Tiger Athletic Foundation have recognized the stadium needed attention to the exterior skin system, the visual aesthetic on the east side and the recently approved south edition,” David said.
He said the stadium’s exterior received new windows and the surface is being cleaned, repaired and waterproofed. The new entrance will add excitement and energy to the gameday atmosphere through new gates, fencing and lighting, according to David.
He said construction must be sequenced to facilitate both Bayou Country Superfest and the upcoming football season.
UREC David said the University is in the process of selecting an architect for the new multi-phase project, which will involve the relocation of the baseball diamonds to Gourrier Lane near River Road.
A 17,000-square-foot leisure pool will be added in place of the old baseball fields, as well as a 107,000 gross square foot addition and renovation of the existing 120,000-square-foot facilities are all part of the expected construction, David said.
He emphasized the importance of student input in the project. “Although planning will start in July, we will maintain student input and will reach out in the fall to review concept renderings and drawings,” David said.
Choppin Hall Annex
David said the five-story building will open in mid-July for the Chemistry Department to begin moving in preparation for the fall semester.
 
____ Contact Kevin Thibodeaux at [email protected]