Article Tag Archives: Construction

Facilities Update

Thanks in part to generous donors and the support of the Student Athletic Fee, the following upgrades/renovations have been made or are in the works to the Truman Athletics facilities:

• New drainage and irrigation has been installed at the baseball, softball and soccer fields. The work, completed over the summer, has provided better playing surfaces. In addition, new warning tracks were installed at the softball field for the safety of the players.

• A new seating area, along with a press box, is under construction at the Truman baseball field. The backstop was replaced and a new sound system was donated.

• New starting blocks were installed in the Truman natatorium.

• At Stokes Stadium, 132 chair-back seats were installed to provide additional comfort for fans at Truman football games this past season. Half of the seats were designated for the Advancement hospitality area while the other half were sold as season-tickets.

• After getting new bleachers and a sound system last year, Pershing Arena’s wood floor was refinished and rebranded with the new conference logo. The arena was also fitted and painted with new acoustical panels to aid in game day presentations.

• The small gym that is used by wrestling, cheerleading, baseball and softball was renovated with a new floor.

Campus Icon Receives Upgrade

A campus landmark for decades, the cupola atop Kirk Memorial was replaced in the summer. For much of last year, the building underwent a number of improvements including new shingles and windows, brick tuck pointing and replacement of limestone detailing that had deteriorated. The cupola had to be replaced because it could not be made water tight and some of the wood had rotted. Construction crews removed the original cupola and replaced it with a new one created to look the same. The new cupola is constructed primarily of aluminum and includes insulation and roofing material to protect the dome. In keeping with the tradition established in 1996, the new weather vane was welded in place to forever point northeast in honor of the University’s previous name. The original cupola has found a new home outside of the Ruth W. Towne Museum and Visitors Center. A gallery of photos of the cupola replacement can be found at photos.truman.edu.

Work Begins on FLATS

After years of planning and fundraising, construction officially began on the Forest Lake Area Trail System (FLATS) with a groundbreaking celebration Oct. 3 by the petroglyph site in Thousand Hills State Park.

Phase one of the trail is an eight-foot-wide ADA-accessible concrete path between the petroglyph site and the marina at Thousand Hills State Park. Phase two will connect the two campgrounds and phase three will connect Kirksville and Thousand Hills State Park.

More information about the FLATS project, including ways to make a donation, can be found online at kvflats.org or by emailing flatskv@gmail.com.

Stokes and Pershing Get Upgrades

Stokes Stadium and Pershing Arena have each received modest upgrades in the past two summers to better enhance the Truman experience for spectators.

Construction crews completed the installation of the new Pershing Arena bleachers in late August 2012. The process included removing the wooden bleachers and installing new bench seats, and approximately 400 chair-back seats behind the Bulldog benches, closer seating on the west side and additional seating on the north baseline.

The project, funded by the Student Athletic Fee, began with the removal of the bleachers in late May 2012. Those seats had been in place since 1979 when the old arena court was shifted from the east/west alignment to its current north/south configuration.

In addition to the bleachers, a new sound system and acoustics were installed during the summer to enhance the audio and gameday presentation for Bulldog events.

In summer 2013, Stokes Stadium received new aluminum bleachers and 132 purple chair-back seats. New handicap seating was also added to the bottom of the grandstand, bringing the total seating capacity to approximately 4,000.

Other improvements to Stokes Stadium in recent years include a synthetic field in 2008 and new lights in 2007—both paid for with the Student Athletic Fee—as well as a new sound system in 2012.

Construction Around Campus

Franklin Street Project

Improvements on Franklin Street, between Normal and Jefferson streets, were recently completed and include a newly paved road and bike lanes.

The portion of Franklin Street that runs through the Truman campus from Patterson to Normal streets is getting a new look that includes new pavement, lighting and sidewalks along with the addition of bike lanes in both directions. The plans also include a new center median with trees down the center of the street. The project is partially funded by the Missouri Department of Transportation, and the anticipated completion date is in August 2013.

Kirk Memorial

This summer, Kirk Memorial, a campus landmark which was built in the 1940s, is getting some much-needed repairs. In addition to replacing the cupola, improvements include new shingles and windows, brick tuck pointing and replacement of limestone detailing that has deteriorated. New plantings of trees and shrubs will be in keeping with the original design from the 1940s. Campus Planner Mark Schultz says the goal is to make the building water-tight and prevent further deterioration.

Centennial Hall

Renovation of Centennial Hall includes the dining hall which will have new booths, tables and chairs, and a completely renovated private dining room. The dining room will be available during the evening for students to study and socialize.

Centennial Hall is nearly midway through a major upgrade that is part of the University’s campus-wide housing improvement project. During the first phase of the Centennial Hall renovation, the entire south side of the residence hall was closed for the 2012-2013 academic year. As the finishing touches were being completed on the south side earlier this summer, work began on the main lounge, dining hall and lounge areas. The north side will be closed for the final phase of the project, and the completion date is January 2014.

The Centennial Hall renovation includes new heating and cooling, ventilation and sprinkler systems; a new electrical system throughout the building; new elevators; and new paint, carpet and lighting in the public areas. Once completed, the common areas, such as the lounges, dining area and hallways, will have new air conditioning. The floor lounges on the third, fourth and fifth floors are being expanded to more than double their original size, and the main lounge will feature a conference room and game room. In addition, the dining area will have a new serving line and seating area along with an attached private dining space.

A new elevator has been added that will take residents from the main lounge to the dining room entryway. In addition, a new chair lift will allow residents and guests who use a wheel chair easier access between the main lounge and the first floor. The building will be completely ADA accessible.

Other improvements include a new data system for faster wireless Internet, new study rooms on the first floor and remodeled public restrooms. Exterior work is also being done on the roof, as well as the brick and concrete that has worn down over the years.

“Students had input on all of the paint and carpet and wood finishes and this has been a truly collaborative project between the architects, Truman staff and Truman students,” said John Gardner, director of residence life. “We really appreciate the support of the Board of Governors, the President’s Office and the Dean of Students Affairs Office.”

A Union of Past and Present

Prior to the SUB being built, the closest thing the campus had for a student service center was a large area in the Kirk Building named Sociability Hall. One of the first official statements concerning a Student Union Building can be traced back to 1945 when a postwar planning committee of the faculty presented a report to then University President Walter Ryle recommending a Student Union in a 10-year building plan.

During the 1950s, students displayed a growing interest in having a Student Union Building, and several senior classes contributed to a Student Union Fund to help with furnishing the building. In 1960, the Board of Regents passed a resolution officially lending their support to the cause, and less than a year later, plans for the Student Union gained more momentum when the student body approved a Student Union fee. After funding for the project was finally approved, the ground-breaking ceremonies for the Student Union Building took place in March 1966. The total cost of the building upon completion, including equipment and interior decorations, was $2.5 million. After decades of planning, the Student Union Building was officially opened on Oct. 20, 1967, and 2012 marked its 45th anniversary.

: The Student Union Building, a favorite locale where students can hang out, study and eat, has undergone several changes over the years.

Changing with the Times

Although the exterior of the building has remained mostly the same since 1967, the inside of the Student Union has experienced many changes throughout the years. Major renovations in 1986, 1990, 1994 and 2006 have altered the layout and aesthetics of the interior of the building. The most recent renovation brought changes such as the conversion of the Quiet Lounge to the Hub, which included a new passenger elevator, staircase and seating; the addition of the south entrance on the lower level; and rest rooms added on the main floor.

Dave Lusk, who has served as director of the Student Union Building since 2009, notes that the most recent renovations have made the facility more accessible and free-flowing. “As a result, the Student Union has seen a dramatic increase in students being in the building,” says Lusk. “Students use the Student Union as a place to meet friends for an informal group meeting and have a meal, coffee and smoothies, and it provides a place where students can gather for weekly organizational meetings and attend entertainment or educational programs.” The facility also provides a place where students can take a break from their studies, and Lusk says it’s not uncommon to come across students engaged in an impromptu game of chess or a strategy card game.

In addition to providing a centralized gathering spot for students and other members of the Truman community, the Student Union also houses a number of offices. “Students like the central location of the Student Union, both in relation to campus and in terms of offices in the building, with Reservations, the Career Center, the Center for Student Involvement, Student Senate, Student Activities Board, Student Affairs and the Serve Center all in the same place,” says Laura Boville (‘13), a recent graduate who worked in various offices in the Student Union. “A lot of student groups find the Union useful when planning and hosting events and for increasing publicity because there are always people walking through the building.”

Some of the other offices located in the Student Union include Greek Life, Funds Allotment Council (FAC), Student Organization Center (SOC) and the Women’s Resource Center. The University Bookstore, located on the lower level, provides textbooks and course materials, digital textbooks, apparel and accessories, school supplies and much more. The Down Under, a dance and entertainment area, is also on the lower level.

Throughout the years, the Student Union has offered dining services for the Truman community. Today, Mainstreet Market, the food court area which replaced what was once known as the Snack Bar, offers a variety of options that include Original Burger, Godfather’s Pizza and Theme Cuisine featuring a variety of national and international menu items. In addition, Jazzman’s which features coffee and pastries, and Freshens, which offers yogurt and all-natural smoothies, are also located on the main level.

Mainstreet Market, the food court area on the main level, offers a variety of options including Original Burger, Godfather’s Pizza and Theme Cuisine featuring a variety of national and international menu items.

Since the very beginning, the Union has served as a focal point for programs, meetings, dining and relaxation for students, faculty, staff, alumni and off-campus visitors. As the community center for the campus, the Union continually seeks to serve as a unifying force in the life of the University.

In Retrospect–The History of the Student Union Building

1930s–A large room on the ground floor in the Kirk Building is designated as “Sociability Hall.” This represents one of the University’s first undertakings to offer students facilities for activities.

1945–The postwar faculty planning committee recommends the future construction of a Student Union Building.

June 1961–Students vote to approve a Student Union fee, and University President Walter Ryle recommends a student union fee of $8 per quarter to the Board of Regents. The Board arrives at a fee of $5 per quarter.

April 1963–University President Walter Ryle appoints a Student Union Planning Committee consisting of students and faculty.

July 1965–The University acquires all of the land necessary to construct the Student Union Building.

March 1966–The University hosts a groundbreaking ceremony with Student Council President Harry Libby presiding. This is believed to be the first official ceremony in Truman’s history that was organized and conducted solely by students. The Student Union is dedicated and the cornerstone is laid Aug. 9, 1966.

October 1967–The Student Union officially opens at 10 a.m. Oct. 20, 48 days after the celebration of the University’s centennial.

January 1973–Marion Street is closed and construction begins on the Mall. The Mall and fountain are completed in December of 1975.

September 1975–To commemorate the U.S. bicentennial celebration, Professor William Unger is commissioned by the University to paint a mural modeled off the artistic style of painter Thomas Hart Benton.

February 1984–A study of the feasibility and cost of renovating the Student Union begins. The study concludes that repair and renovation are needed in the building. Areas targeted in the renovation included roof repairs; masonry work; expansion of the University Bookstore; furnishings in the Georgian Room, the Quiet Lounge and the Snack Bar.

1986–The first phase of the renovation begins with the relocation of student media offices, including the Index, Echo and KNEU, from Laughlin Hall to the lower level of the Union. Later on, during renovations made during the 2000s, the student media offices are moved to Barnett Hall.

1990–Planning commences for the renovation of the Snack Bar and the Games Room area.

October 1991–The renovation of the Snack Bar is completed, and it is renamed Mainstreet Market. Improvements include new lighting and furnishings, reconfiguration of the serving area and the removal of the wall separating the windows and the dining area (formerly the Art Gallery).

Late 1991–The bowling lanes are removed from the lower level.

1993–The Board of Governors grants approval for the renovation of the Games Room area. On-site construction begins April 1.

February 1994–The University hosts a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 4 to celebrate the opening of the newly-renovated lower level. Improvements include a new Games Room area, multipurpose space, lounge seating, office space and student organization work areas.

2006–A new phase of renovations begins on the Student Union Building. Renovations to the Quiet Lounge include a new staircase and passenger elevator. A new entrance is added on the south side of the first floor. The Georgian Room is also renovated to allow the room to be sectioned off into three separate spaces.

September 2008–The Quiet Lounge is renamed the Hub after student Libby Piel wins the University contest to rename the room.

October 2012–The Student Union Building celebrates its 45th anniversary.

Maybe Unknown (to You) Facts

The Student Union officially opened at 10 a.m. on Oct. 20, 1967, under the direction of Kenneth Sykes, who was the director for the next 12 years.
A four-chair barbershop was located on the first floor when the Student Union opened in 1967.
A dress code was enforced when the Student Union opened. Men were required to wear slacks, and women were required to wear dresses or sweaters and skirts in the dining areas.
A copper box, placed in a niche of the SUB’s cornerstone, contained a number of items including newspaper articles about the Student Union Building.

: Student Union Director Kenneth Sykes and Student Council President Jack Wright at the Student Union ribbon-cutting ceremony in October 1967.

: The Spanish room was a dining area in the SUB with seating for 64 guests. The chairs were imported from Spain, and the small chandeliers were designed in Mexico. Guests entered through a 12-foot wrought-iron gate shown in the upper left corner of the photo.

Have a favorite memory of the Student Union Building?
Send your story or photos to alumniandfriends@truman.edu.

Bethany Williams (’13) contributed to this article.

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