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Construction will soon start on this new classroom/laboratory building. It will be located immediately east of the student union and it will have three floors plus a basement. The basement level will be connected to the student union. Construction bids were right on target with the estimates (about $28,000,000) and they were able to add several optional features to the building. Roers Construction will be the general contractor. The first use of the building will be in spring semester 2016.
As much as I support this project, I'm still a little sore about the location of Churchill Field...I always thought having that open space on campus was awesome. I also miss the old Union patio on the east-side too.Quote:
Originally Posted by roadwarrior
google maps tells me that this is churchill field? Wasn't there a parking lot you could have built on? Like that one directly south of your union?
no, just great open green space I really hate the location, too and miss the patio.Quote:
Originally Posted by reformedUNDfan
I was told there was still going to be a large green space east of the new building. I guess we will have to wait to see where they start digging since I can't find an exact location for the building. The location was moved toward the union since the original plan was shown a couple of years ago.
If it's directly east of the Union, then that's not really Churchill Field. To me, Churchill Field is directly south of Churchill Hall. Or am I getting this all messed up? I suppose it covers part of Churchill Field though.Quote:
Originally Posted by roadwarrior
Remember, though, that with the Union expansion a few years back, it also took up parts of Churchill Field...Quote:
Originally Posted by tony
Still not sure that we're talking about the same place. It'd be nice to see a map with the proposed location.Quote:
Originally Posted by aces1180
There were two distinct spaces when I went to NDSU.
There was a big open space by the Union that with a flagpole and criss-crossing sidewalks. That's steadily been covered with concrete. But I never considered that Churchill Field. It was OK but the flagpole and the sidewalks made it unsuitable for playing football.
The east boundary of that area was a north-south sidewalk and a hedge. On the other side of that (and directly south of Churchill Hall) was a completely a green space with no concrete which was much better for running around on. That's what I consider Churchill Field. Looks like they've gotten rid of the hedge so it's actually bigger than it used to be.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5524/1...86a94f5a_b.jpg
I'm not really bent about it either way but why wouldn't they put it out on University Dr. then you'd have an old school quad?
I thought that's where they wanted to put it originally except that there was considerable backlash.Quote:
Originally Posted by bisonaudit
I'd have to look closer at it next time I'm in Fargo...I always though the Union expansion was farther out than maybe it is?Quote:
Originally Posted by tony
I think the map Tony posted accurately places the existing Memorial Union.
The original plan was to put the building about where the Churchill Field icon is. The plan included a bus dropoff location off of University so city busses wouldn't have to drive through campus and pick up people south of the union parking lot. The current planned location seems to be right around the N/S sidewalk separating the union patio from the Churchill quad.
Count me among those unhappy with the general location. I can easily think of a half dozen other locations that would work as well and not give up that developed green space.
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps249407a2.jpg
Have you seen a rendering of the building?Quote:
Originally Posted by roadwarrior
Not a recent one. There is a very old one somewhere on NDSU's website, but that was before detailed planning was underway. I took that as more of what it could look like than what it will look like.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hammersmith
I didn't like the original location because I really like Churchill Field, but bisonaudit's idea of putting smack dab on Churchill Field and putting quad between the memorial union makes sense (if they rip up some of the concrete.)
Too bad we can't just move buildings all over or start with a blank slate.
BTW, I wonder if NDSU has a long-term plan. I'd actually be kind of surprised because it takes decades from the time NDSU makes something its number 1 building priority to the Legislature acting on it (unless the Feds or donors kick in more than half the money.) Usually, it's more effective to wait for an alumnus to buy a building downtown or wait for the old building to collapse. On the other hand, if NDSU makes something their number 1 building priority, it gives certain guys in the Legislature something to feel good about not doing at NDSU. :)
The construction fence is up for the project. It extends all the way from the sidewalk along University to the Union patio, and from Dinan to Churchill. All of the trees and shrubs in this area have been removed, and it looks like construction will begin very soon.
In other news, the building that housed the former NDSU post office was demolished yesterday.
Between the Turf and Alumni Center?Quote:
Originally Posted by roadwarrior
Yes. More parking.Quote:
Originally Posted by aces1180
I knew that the PO closed, but I not know that the radio station moved too.Quote:
Originally Posted by roadwarrior
Not sure about the radio station. Is it located with the TV studio next to Spicy Pie?Quote:
Originally Posted by aces1180
My guess that is the case...Makes sense, at least.Quote:
Originally Posted by roadwarrior