Theo Keith / KCOU News / Mar. 4, 2010
News release from Student Auxilary Services:
The main level of Phase 2 of the University of Missouri Student Center is set to open ahead of schedule. A portion of Phase 2, which includes new dining options, lounge and study space for students, will open on Aug. 18, 2010.
“Our priority throughout this project has been to serve our students,” said Jeff Zeilenga, assistant vice chancellor for Student Affairs. “Working with our contractor, VCC, we are seizing an opportunity to open a large area of the student center much earlier than we anticipated. Benefits of opening this early include convenience for our students, more food choices and 600 additional seats to meet the demand of our student population.”
Originally, this portion of the student center project was not slated for completion until Spring 2011. This timeline caused some challenges including reduced dining capacity for students. Yet, due to the efforts of the contractor and MU’s Campus Facilities Design & Construction team, work on Phase 2 is ahead of schedule.
“When we realized that construction was continuing ahead of schedule, we began discussions with the contractor to see if we could open the largest public portion of the facility for students when they returned for the fall 2010 semester,” Zeilenga said. “This will require some overtime by the contractor, but the project has a contingency for this and we think it is well worth it for our students and our auxiliary operations.”
Upon completion of the main level of Phase 2, students can look forward new and improved services including additional dining options as well as lounge and study space. This new area is meant to serve as the hub of student activity on campus.
The remaining areas should be completed by December 2010. Amenities in this area will include “The Shack” games and programming area, Mort’s Grille, a convenience store, student study and meeting rooms, and the Mizzou Traditions Lounge. This schedule is still contingent on variables such as weather.
Last Updated: 4:42 p.m., Mar. 4, 2010
