Several new buildings will open on the University of Central Arkansas campus for the 2016-2017 academic year as construction nears completion.
In January 2017, the Conway Corporation Center for Sciences will open as the latest academic building for students to further their intellectual success. The project is an extension to the Lewis Science Center. The kickoff of this development began in May 2015 and was made possible in part by a Conway Corporation $3-million gift. Vice President of Finance and Administration Diane Newton said the project design includes a 50,000-square-foot-addition that will provide state-of-the-art laboratories and scientific facilities for students. There will also be a display in the lobby that shows the significance between Conway Corporation and higher education in Conway.
The 67,500-square-foot, four-story, mixed-use Donaghey Hall is under construction at the corner of Bruce Street and Donaghey Avenue. Providing 165 beds for upperclassmen on the top three floors, Donaghey Hall will be ready for residential occupancy in August 2016. Filling the first floor commercial space will be Blue Sail Coffee, Mosaique Bistro and Grill, Marble Slab Creamery, Uncle T’s Deli Market, Textbook Brokers Bear Wear and a “makerspace,” a place designated for students to gather and share resources and knowledge, work on projects, network and connect with each other.
With just a few final touches to go, McCastlain Hall roars to completion. Renovations are expected to be complete by mid-May. Upgrades to the historic building include the ballroom, east dining room and fireplace room, along with new bathrooms and an elevator addition.
Other projects have taken place across campus. The Farris Center pool was converted into a gym floor practice facility. Ferguson Chapel received a makeover that included refinished floors, pews, new lighting and curtains. The Office of Admissions in Bernard Hall expanded by removing a wall and welcoming Student Accounts to the new building.
Upcoming projects include waterproofing the stands of Estes Stadium to prevent rust damage and purchasing new generators for the HPER Center and Christian Cafeteria.