Arkansas Tech University Starts Construction on New Student Union

Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Ark., recently began construction on a new student union facility, according to a news release. Ferguson Student Union will measure in at 68,000 square feet and marks one of the largest construction projects in the university’s history.

Amenities will include student meeting spaces, lounge and leisure spaces, fast-casual dining, basketball courts, an esports facility, workout rooms, and the ability to rent outdoor recreational gear, the news release reports.

According to the university website, “Of the estimated cost of construction, Arkansas Tech University is committing $15.6 million in unrestricted reserves to support the project. The balance of the resources needed to complete the project would come from the sale of revenue bonds, which would be paid over a period of 30 years through the student union and recreation center fee paid by in-person students at ATU in Russellville.”

The university is partnering with Kinco Constructors for the project’s construction, which is estimated to last through 2026, according to the university website.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.

  • UT System Board of Regents Approves $108M Housing Complex

    The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently announced the approval of a new, $108-million housing complex at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), according to a news release. The facility will stand four stories and have a total of 456 new beds for freshmen students.

  • University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Launches New Emergency Communications System

    The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) recently deployed a new emergency notification and incident management system for its campus, according to a news release. The university partnered with 911Cellular to launch Safe@UTC, a smartphone app allowing university officials to communicate and respond during emergency situations.

  • California School District Completes Elementary School Modernization

    The San Diego Unified School District in San Diego, Calif., recently held a ribbon-cutting for a whole-site modernization of Pacific Beach Elementary School, according to local news. The school first opened with one building in 1930 and added six more between 1938 and 1957.