Four construction projects on the University’s campus are expected to be completed by fall 2012.
Work on the projects will end sometime between the end of this semester and the summer, but the buildings won’t officially open to students until the fall, according to Emmett David, director of planning, design and construction with the University’s Facility Services.
 
Tiger Marching Band Hall
The Tiger Marching Band Hall opened in December and is in use by the band.
“The band hall, recently opened on the North side of campus on Aster Road, brings acoustical interior finishes and accoutrements that support 350 band members at ‘full volume’ as they practice their ensembles for field,” David said.
 
East Laville Hall
Joe Hitt, the assistant director of facilities for Residential Life, said work on East Laville Hall is on schedule and within budget.
Hitt said construction on the $14 million residential hall is expected to be completed by April. He said after the building is finished, ResLife will furnish it before opening to students in fall 2012.
 
Business Education Complex
The roughly $40 million project, funded through a public and private partnership, is within budget, David said.
David said private donors matched the money provided by the state to construct the 160,000 square-foot complex. The building should open in preparation for classes and students’ return in the fall.
Chancellor Michael Martin said the building will officially open March 2, and Steve Forbes, editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine, will attend the unveiling.
 
Choppin Hall Annex
Originally intended to be a three-story building, the five-story Choppin Hall Annex was built thanks to state general bond funds, according to David.
Construction on the annex is scheduled to be completed in June in preparation for an opening in the fall semester.
 
Raphael Semmes Parking Garage and Bookstore
David said the 60,000-square-foot bookstore and 750-car parking garage will be funded through fees and revenue from paid parking by students, staff, faculty and visitors to campus who use the garage.
As of now, the parking garage and Barnes and Noble are anticipated to open in fall 2012.
 
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