Story By: Kelly Garrett
There’s lots of new construction going on, on campus – three to be exact.
Most recently, the University broke ground on the new College of Business building in early October. This is an expansion of the existing Morgan Hall. The new facility will have state-of-the-art classrooms equipped with technology to enhance learning. There will also be areas for students to hang out between class and take a coffee break at the coffee cart that will be stationed there.
The expansion is a gift from Michael E. Stephens, a graduate from the University of Montevallo’s College of Business and the namesake of the College of Business.
Since the new Stephens College of Business will now occupy what was a parking lot, UM officials made the decision to pave the grass area on King Street, behind Harman Hall. They’re calling it the triangle, for its shape. According to UM officials, this lot will add approximately 15 faculty and staff parking spots.
The tree that is currently in this area will stay and be made into a ‘pocket park’ with a bench and lighting.
The last construction site on campus is almost complete. The Center for the Arts has been under construction since April 2018.
This facility is more than an area to hold performances and showcases. The Theatre Department is moving into this building full-time and will have all classes in the Center for the Arts. The building is designed for anyone in the College of Fine Arts to be able to benefit from.
There will be galleries for students from the Department of Art to hold showcases as well as areas to hold concerts for students from the Department of Music. There is also proper technology and facilities for students and faculty from the Department of Communication to use the space in many different ways.
The Center will be equipped with two shops, both with state-of-the-art industrial and professional set and costume design equipment, according to College of Fine Arts Dean Steven Peters. It will also be home to a 350-seat theater and a 100-seat black box theater.
The new facilities also gives way to new corses and potential majors and minors to add under the College of Fine Arts. The building will have areas for dance classes already taught at UM and the possibility to add on in the future. “We’re looking into, once we get in the Center, of possibly expanding our dance program,” said Dean Peters.
This multi-million dollar project will be complete and ready for classes in January 2020.
The University has not released any future plans for renovations or construction projects on campus.
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