Three new buildings soon will start to take form on the main campus of Morehead State University and at its Derrickson Agricultural Complex.
Ceremonial ground was broken Thursday to signify the start of projects estimated to cost $48.3 million.
“The students told us they want better housing, better food service, better parking and better technology. All four of those improvements are underway,” said MSU President Wayne D. Andrews. “We are paying attention to the needs of our students, the community, the commonwealth and the nation. This is a plan to match needs of the 21st century student and the global economy.”
None of the projects are being financed with state general fund appropriations or state bonds.
The East Parking Complex and Dining Commons will be built on the site of the former Waterfield Hall at a cost of $17.6 million.
There will be about 400 parking spaces on three parking decks totaling 110,000 square feet. The 25,000-square-foot dining commons will overlook the central residential community.
The parking and dining facility is being funded from private funds and from student fees for housing, parking and dining services.
The Main Campus Residence Hall, which has yet to be named, will be built on the site of the former Regents and Wilson halls.
The $28 million building will provide space for 550 residents. It is planned to have suite-style rooms, student meeting areas, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Two new residential buildings will be built at the Derrickson Agricultural Complex for about $2.7 million.
The buildings will have 48 beds with six-person apartment style rooms along with amenities conducive to a farm learning/living environment.
These two projects will be funded with institutional bonds paid by rental fees from residents.
Speakers at the event included MSU Board of Regents Chair Paul Goodpaster, Vice President of Student Life Madonna Weathers, and House Majority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins.
All agreed that it was a historic step for MSU to build “for the students.” They also noted that it was a chance to “continue investing in the economic development of the community.”
Andrews added that this is a major step toward becoming “the best regional public university.”
All three projects are scheduled for completion by the fall of 2016.
The university also has a $5 million Alumni Welcome Center in the planning stages.
Shayla Menville can be reached at smenville@themoreheadnews.com or by telephone at 784-4116.
Participating in the groundbreaking ceremony were, from left, Craig S. Preece, regent; Dr. Royal Berglee, faculty regent; Troy Webb, representing Sen. Robin Webb; Jim Tom Trent, Morehead mayor; Todd Q. Thacker, staff regent; Rick Linio, assistant vice president for facilities management; Wes Davis, Codell Construction; Chris Estes, EOP Architects; Walter Blevins, Rowan County judge-executive; Beth Patrick, chief financial officer and vice president for administration; Kathy Walker, regent; Rep. Rocky Adkins; Patrick E. Price, regent; Mike Smith, Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects; and Dr. Wayne Andrews, MSU president. Not shown are Madonna Weathers, Deborah Long and Paul Goodpaster.
