For the past few years, Mississippi State University has been in a constant state of flux. Construction crews and dirt piles have become an ever-present reminder of the university’s growth.
With students set to begin fall classes in three weeks, MSU — with the help of five separate contractors — is working to get as much finished as possible before their return. MSU Associate Director of Architecture Planning and Construction Tim Muzzi said everything is on schedule.
Though no official date is set, construction on a new residence complex will be finished before new student orientation August 16, according to Director of University Relations Maridith Geuder. The complex consists of two residence halls, Oak and Magnolia, and combined will house 750 students and resident assistants. Geuder said each room will come fully furnished with a private bath, refrigerator, microwave, individual room temperature control, wireless internet access and cable TV, including HBO. The new residence halls are located on the south end of campus, and is being handled by Harell Contracting Group out of Jackson.
Renovations on Lee Hall have just gotten underway, with the faculty and staff moving into temporary offices around campus last month. Geuder said the facility, built in 1909, is being renovated to, among other things, restore historical detail to the main corridors. Renovations are scheduled to be complete in January 2014.
Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium serves as the venue for MSU’s Lyceum Series, and Geuder, who chairs the Lyceum Committee, said this fall’s lineup will continue to be held there, but that the committee would possibly consider other options for next year’s shows.
“It’s going to be slightly different, the entrance will have to be from the side facing the union,” Geuder said. “The main lobby area will not be accessible.”
She also said there would be another entrance for those with disabilities.
As for athletic facilities on campus, construction is on schedule for the new indoor football facility being built behind the Palmeiro Center. Muzzi said it should be finished by December. The 80,000-square-foot facility is being overseen by Jesco Construction Incorporated and is being funded through private donations.
The Humphrey Coliseum is also getting a much-needed million-dollar roof treatment. The project is expected to be finished in the coming months, according to Muzzi.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.