Following is an update on current SMU construction projects. Please observe warning and directional signs when driving or walking near construction areas. Additional announcements of street and sidewalk closings by the University will be made as required.
Moody Coliseum
New construction on the north side and the renovation of the interior of Moody Coliseum is currently underway. The expanded and renovated Moody Coliseum will include expanded concourses, new concession stands, new bowl seating, the addition of 10 suites, a Hall of Fame Club, new mechanical equipment, new scoreboard, and new administrative offices. Moody Coliseum is scheduled to reopen December 2013.
Binkley Avenue is closed from the east side of the south entrance to Moody Garage to Bush Avenue. The parking lot south of the Laura Lee Blanton Building is closed through January 2014.
Data Center
Construction on SMU's new Data Center located on the former Mrs. Baird's property will commence in February 2013. The Data Center is a one-story 22,000 SF, Tier 2 facility built in the Collegiate Georgian architecture style. This new facility will provide all the telecommunications and data storage for the SMU campus. This new facility is expected to be complete December 2013.
Ford Stadium Seating and Mini-Suites
In March 2013, the contractor began demolition of several sections of the west side of Ford Stadium, the Hall of Champions, and areas within the AD Suite. As of May 2013, construction of the new mini-suites and luxury seating sections is underway. This project is scheduled to be completed prior to the first home game. This is a major renovation project, whereby areas on the third floors of both the Loyd All Sports Center and Ford Stadium are being renovated to add luxury seating areas, add nine additional suites, and better utilize existing spaces. The new suites will open into designated luxury seating areas in Ford Stadium and will also feature indoor seating areas with amenities. The Hall of Champions, which is located in the Loyd All Sports Center, is also being renovated, creating access to designated outdoor seating areas in Ford Stadium as well. The goal of this project is to reorganize or to repurpose underutilized portions of the Loyd All Sports Center and Ford Stadium to construct an opportunity for a new and expanded sports viewing experience.
Mustang Band Hall
Demolition and construction on the Mustang Band Hall began during the spring of 2013. This project is scheduled to be substantially complete during the fall of 2013. The Mustang Band Hall will replace the existing band hall, which is currently located in the lower level of the Perkins Natatorium. The new Mustang Band Hall is being constructed in the unfinished south basement area of the Dedman Center for Life Time Sports building. In addition to finishing-out this existing basement area, the building will be expanded, creating a separate dedicated entrance for the Mustang Band Hall as well as a new plaza for outdoor events on the south side of the building. The new plaza is targeted to be completed during August-2014. The Mustang Band Hall will feature a main rehearsal room, a percussion rehearsal room, three smaller breakout rehearsal rooms, offices, an archive library, as well as other spaces. A special feature of the Mustang Band Hall will be the Hall of Honor, which will feature the relocated historic band hall entrance doors and band hall memorabilia. The new Mustang Band Hall will create a better organized and much larger home in which our Mustang Band may grow.
Mockingbird Lane/Bush Avenue Intersection
Phase 2, the modification of the Mockingbird Lane/Bush Avenue Intersection, is scheduled for Summer 2014.
Residential Commons
SMU has embarked on the construction
of a new Freshman and Sophomore housing complex on our Dallas campus. The new housing follows the Residential Commons model and is designed to reflect the Collegiate Georgian style of architecture that distinguishes SMU. The project consists of (5) new Residential Commons buildings which will add 1,250 beds to SMU's housing inventory, a new Dining Commons to serve the entire SMU community, and a new 800 space Parking Garage. The construction of the new housing started January 2012 and is scheduled for completion Summer 2014 for the Fall 2014 Semester.
Please direct questions about construction at SMU to the Office of Planning, Design, and Construction at PDCInfo@smu.edu. University Park construction projects sometimes affect traffic patterns near the campus and updates on those projects are available from the city's website.
Media inquiries should be directed to SMU News and Communications at news@smu.edu.
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