News Editor, News Reporter
Photos by: Chris Clark
In the midst of planning for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, the famous architect Daniel Burnham said, “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood.” While perhaps not building a World’s Fair, CMU and the surrounding community are certainly making big plans when it comes to campus expansion.
With the new residential building, Garfield Hall, welcoming students this fall, the university is well on its way to adding even more dormitory options, as well as erecting a 70,000 plus square foot building to house the Language, Literature and Mass Communication department, currently referred to as ACB II.
ACB II is scheduled to open in the fall of 2014. It will be the largest academic building on campus and house a brand new multi-media room for university publications.
“ACB II becomes that final cornerstone,” Vice President of Student Affairs John Marshall said. “A core center of gravity.”
That center of gravity ushers in a wave of new aesthetic and innovative projects to make the university feel more connected and energetic, among them the redesigning of the courtyard outside of the University Center, as well as an exciting new game room.
Though nothing is set in stone, an ellipse-like courtyard has been blueprinted to liven up the area connecting the UC, Monument, and ACB II. It will also provide a pathway from one end of campus to the other.
Attached to the new courtyard, and extending into the unfinished parking lot behind ACB will be a new regulation-size intra-mural football field. Ideas are also being tossed around to bring outdoor recreational activities to the relatively open space behind the Outdoor Program.
CMU has also hired the consulting firm Bakergroup and architect Jered Minter to revamp the UC game room into a lively day lounge and nightclub.
“The University Center should be the heart of campus,” ASG President Ariel Diamond said at last Tuesday’s development meeting. “I feel like we’re missing that blood flow.”
“Our mission is to make changes that everyone wants. It’s pointless if it’s not for the students,” Sukenik responded.
In an attempt to “drive passion” Bakergroup wants to “bring the UC game room beyond pool, ping-pong and foosball,” encouraging students to attend meetings that will be held later in the year to hear their input.
“Students are looking at substantial changes over the next five years,” Marshall said.
As these projects and others come closer to completion, Maverick blood is sure to start stirring with a whole new spirit.
cferganc@mavs.coloradomesa.edu, kmtrujil@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
Recent Comments