The Board of Regents approved a strategic plan for the facilities department, outlining the changes to come in the next 10 years.
As required by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, facilities worked with faculty, staff, students and alumni to create a 10-year facilities strategic plan that addresses current student needs while also providing a framework for potential growth.
Lynn Vidler, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, said they hope the plan will enhance the student experience by creating a more welcoming environment. The plan targets academic and residential building renovations,
Academic building renovations
The plan includes new buildings and renovations to existing buildings. Vidler said the university’s priority is modernizing buildings, such as the ongoing renovation of the Anschutz Engineering Center. The plan mentions renovations to Columbine, University Center, Heller Center and Engineering and Applied Science.
The plan includes placeholders for projects that are not guaranteed to happen unless funding becomes available. One placeholder is to move the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience from the Hybl Center on the west of campus near the Heller Center to its own space.
Vidler emphasized the opportunity to consolidate buildings to account for the topography of having the university on the bluffs. For example, the plan includes a new Health & Wellness Building to relocate the College of Nursing closer to Hybl Center.
Residential changes
According to the Senior Director for Residence Life and Housing John Laur, renovations will begin in Summit Village, since those are the oldest residential building on campus. Vail house will be renovated over the summer to provide proof of concept.
Laur also hopes to consolidate room assignments in Alpine to decrease empty space and move resident students closer to Alpine Garage and The Roaring Fork.
“The initial focus will be on trying to do whatever we can to encourage more close-knit communities, spaces that are inviting to gather within, and then making sure that our safety and security features are up to date in those buildings,” Laur said.
Kraemer Family Library and El Pomar Center
According to the Associate Dean of the Library Tabatha Farney, the library will continue the furniture renovation in line with student feedback. QR codes will be placed around the library in April for feedback on already implemented and future changes.
According to Farney, the plan includes moving the central desk to the library’s front entrance to increase visibility and accessibility for students.
Farney emphasized the importance of prioritizing students’ values during the renovation, “We’re hoping [the renovation] means that students have a place to come, whether it’s for studying, for relaxing, really, whatever they need us for. We want to be there.”
The El Pomar Center will be renovated to bring together the four Excel centers to be in one space. This renovation is intended to give students a centralized place to go for support, according to the plan.
Other anticipated changes
- New dining options are coming to campus over the summer. An Einstein Bros. Bagels will be available in Summit Village, and Subway and Qdoba will be in Cafe ‘65 by Fall 2025, according to previous reporting from The Scribe.
- The Village at Alpine Valley is getting a new sports court and skateboard park.
- Mountain Lion Field is getting relocated.
- A composting yard will be built in east campus.
Budget
Kathy Kaoudis, the vice chancellor of administration and finance and UCCS’ chief financial advisor, explained that the entire plan has no set monetary cost. Most projects in the plan need individual program plans.
Thresholds for program plans are established by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education For new construction, projects estimated to cost over $2 million via the institution’s cash funds require a program plan. For renewal projects, projects estimated to cost over $10 million via the institution’s cash funds require a program plan.
Program plans are detailed budgets that balance the different construction ideas with the project’s allotted funds.
Students can learn more about the Facilities Strategic Plan on the Planning, Design and Construction webpage.
