Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University is making improvements systemwide this summer. Work varies from major construction projects to various room and lab renovations and life safety improvements.

"Kansas State University's facilities and infrastructure must be able to meet the demands of a growing institution as we become a Top 50 public research university," said Kirk Schulz, university president. "By making these improvements we meet our evolving needs, remain competitive with our benchmark institutions and provide assets to retain and recruit quality faculty, staff and students."

Most of the projects are being funded through the Kansas State University Foundation. Some of the significant projects now underway or nearing completion include:

* Bill Snyder Family Stadium/West Stadium Center. The second phase of the stadium's renovations will be complete in August, creating additional premium seating and updating ancillary support areas that include: improved broadcasting space and equipment; restrooms; concessions; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; Americans with Disabilities Act compliance; and life safety.

* Bluemont Hall. A remodel of the hall's northwest entrance is currently in the planning stage and will be complete by September. The remodel is funded through the Kansas State University Foundation.

* Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex. The addition construction and remodeling work are nearly complete. The entire building is scheduled to be open by August. The tennis courts and recreation center equipment building are scheduled to be complete in November.

* Equine Center. The KSU Foundation is funding construction of the center, which is north of the Manhattan Fire Station at Denison and Kimball avenues. No completion date has been set at this time.

* Feed Mill. Demolition of the old campus feed mill has started and is scheduled to be complete by Sep. 20. Milling operations have been moved to the new O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center in the Grain Science and Industry Complex on Kimball Avenue.

* Intercollegiate Rowing Center. Funded by K-State Athletics through the KSU Foundation, the center is expected to be complete by September. It will include rowing tanks, rowing performance machines, lockers and showers, offices and a lobby with reception area.

* Memorial Stadium. In planning for the K-State Welcome Center on the east side of the stadium, the Purple Masque Theatre is being relocated to West Stadium and is scheduled for completion in summer 2014. The stadium's turf and track are being replaced through local funding and should be complete by August.

* John C. Pair Horticulture Center, Haysville. The new building is an addition to the existing center and will have classrooms, research facilities and offices. This facility will house research involving non-row crop plants. Construction is nearly finished. 

* Kansas State University Salina. Remodeling of the Technical Assistance Center is scheduled to be complete in October.

In addition, various rooms are being renovated or remodeled in Bluemont, Burt, Bushnell, Cardwell, Nichols, Seaton, Waters and Weber halls; McCain Auditorium; and the Veterinary Medicine Complex. Heating and air conditioning upgrades are being done in Ackert, Cardwell and Dykstra halls, while life safety improvements are being made to the Ahearn Complex, Bushnell and Shellenberger halls, and the Jardine Complex.

The university also has several projects in the planning or design stages, including:

* Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art. The project, currently in the design stage, will provide additional space.

* Engineering Complex. The fourth addition to the complex, which includes Durland, Rathbone and Fiedler halls, is being designed. The new addition is scheduled to be complete in August 2015.

* Housing and dining services. A new residence hall, with 450 beds, and dining center, serving 1,850 students, are in the early planning stage. They will be built between Kramer Dining Center and Denison Avenue and should be completed by spring 2015.

* K-State Salina. Phase two of the Student Life Center is still in the permit approval and scheduled to be bid shortly. It will be built with private funds.