Campus Construction

The summer of 2019 might go down as one of the busiest ever for construction projects on campus. Here’s a sampling of what’s being built or renovated.

By Milo Smith /// Photography by Milo Smith

Steam Plant

In order to move the aging steam plant away from the quad, a private/public partnership with Johnson Controls has a new plant being constructed off of Campus Road near other Facilities buildings. As part of the project, crews have been laying new steam pipes this summer to connect to the new plant, which could be operational by spring 2020.

Chester Fritz Library

A $10 million partial renovation of the library began in late 2018. It includes updates to the front and rear entrances to improve wayfinding in the building, upgrades to the reading room (power and data outlets, new carpet, etc.), and installation of a sprinkler system throughout the building. A café facility will be added to the ground floor, and university IT staff will relocate to the CFL.

Stone House

This historic structure is being renovated thanks to a $3 million gift from Hal, ’66, and Dr. Kathy Gershman. It will be an engagement center for graduate and international students when completed this fall. Built in 1903, the Oxford House was the home to UND President Webster Merrifield. The renovation will restore the mail floor parlor, music room and dining room to their original turn-of-the-century grace. The rest of the building will provide flexible space for student collaboration and engagement.

University Avenue

The main road through campus is getting a major facelift this summer. The entire length of the street from the coulee to Columbia Road has been torn up to be replaced. The stretch from the coulee to 42nd Street is also being renovated, but has remained open to traffic. The project includes new pedestrian lighting, landscaping, irrigation, sidewalks, raised medians, and a signaled intersection at Oxford and Centennial. The goal is to improve pedestrian safety and boost the efficiency of vehicle traffic during peak hours.

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Projects on the Horizon

• CoBPA building project

• Phase 2 of High Performance Center

• Babcock Hall renovation to include Big Data Hub

• Aerospace Flight Operations Center

• Merrifield renovation

• Gustafson renovation

• Carnegie renovation

• Twamley renovation