This summer, more than 20 construction projects are underway across campus. Some are minor improvements, like new roofs for Bond Hall, Coleman-Morse and Hayes-Healy, while others are major undertakings, like the expansion of the Wellness Center, anticipated to debut in August, and the groundbreaking for a research building, which will connect to McCourtney Hall. (You may have noticed the fencing north and east of McCourtney, where the Library Lot had been.)
For a glimpse at the most visible projects, see the maps below. There are also many projects going on inside buildings, like the construction of a new restaurant in LaFortune Student Center where Subway had been.
Doug Marsh, University architect and vice president for Facilities Design and Operations, believes the project that will affect the community the most is the reconstruction of the main entrance to campus, at Holy Cross Drive and Notre Dame. Meanwhile, the adjacent bookstore parking lot will be reconfigured, and the basketball courts west of the bookstore will be moved.
“The project will be constructed in phases in order to minimize the disruption to campus and visitors. We are grateful for everyone’s patience,” Marsh said.
The project may cause some minor inconveniences this summer, but relief is coming for faculty and staff: The basketball courts will be repaved to become an additional employee parking lot. Plus, the new campus entrance will have a lane with a gate that automatically opens for faculty and staff with digitally enhanced hang tags in their front windshields. (Parking Services will distribute the new hang tags in time for the fall semester.)
Of all of the summer projects, Marsh is most looking forward to enjoying Our Lady of the Lake World Peace Plaza. It should be completed in August.
“There is still much work to be completed, but the wait will be worthwhile,” Marsh said. “It has been a terrific opportunity to create another place of reflection and prayer, especially given its location adjacent to St. Mary’s Lake.”
The plaza will include a water feature with a prayer for world peace inscribed in six languages. Marsh concluded: “We have never needed a prayer for world peace more.”
Originally published by at ndworks.nd.edu on June 07, 2022.