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Process of Creating Green Spaces Will Affect Access to Some Buildings

Nov. 26, 2013

Renovation of the north end of campus will begin during winter break as part of the University’s Campus Landscape Enhancement Project.

Landscape architect Peter Walker’s campus enhancement plan will expand north from the Trellis to the Administration Building. The project will bring a more park-like environment to the north mall to complement the transformation of the south end of campus, which was completed in 2010.

Parking areas affected

The 220,000-square-foot Bioengineering and Sciences Building is scheduled to begin construction.

On Friday, Dec. 20, parking lots P and O on the northeast corner of Rutford and Loop Road will permanently close to accommodate construction of the new Bioengineering and Sciences Building near the Natural Science and Engineering Research Lab (NSERL). Drivers who currently use these lots will be redirected to park in lots A, B and T. Pedestrians coming from the University Commons areas are encouraged to walk on the west side of Rutford Drive as they travel toward their destinations.

Pedestrians should also be aware of utility work along the sidewalk from lots P and O to the English Language Center during the break. Additionally, partial areas of lots H and I will be closed as crews lay the groundwork for the future installment of temporary modular buildings in the berm area between the two lots.

On Friday, Dec. 20, construction crews will begin staging the green area on the map with equipment and fencing, which will remain in place throughout the duration of the project. The north mall will be closed to pedestrians for at least a year as the renovation progresses. From Dec. 20 to Jan. 13, weather permitting, crews will work to demolish and remove pavement and heavy debris to make way for more green space.

Access to the Eugene McDermott Library, Student Union and the south part of the mall will remain unaffected.

Campus community members and visitors are encouraged to allow additional travel time to reach their destinations. Drivers may experience some delays as large trucks move in and out of campus, and road flaggers will be on hand to direct traffic as necessary. The entrance to parking lot G will also be revised.

Pedestrians will be redirected to the perimeter entrances of the affected buildings and are encouraged to use the skybridges that connect the Administration Building with the Erik Jonsson Academic Center, Founders North Building, Founders Building, Cecil H. Green Hall, Lloyd V. Berkner Hall, and the North and South Engineering and Computer Science buildings.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue with the next phase of Pardon Our Progress,” said Dr. Calvin Jamison, vice president for the Office of Administration. “As with our initial phase, we know the campus community will be proud of the finished product. When completed, we will have a very attractive, inviting and pedestrian-friendly mall that will further advance us toward a Tier One infrastructure.”

As construction progresses, faculty, staff, students and visitors will be provided with updates and information to help navigate the campus. Look for increased signage throughout the buildings and announcements via News Center as well as email and text messages.

The green area will be fenced off during the renovation of the north mall, which begins Dec. 20. Pedestrians will be able to use skybridges (map) and perimeter entrances to access buildings during the project.

North Mall Enhancement Q&A

How long will construction be ongoing?

The project will continue over the next year. If weather permits, the loudest and most disruptive part of the project will be completed by Jan. 13, when classes resume after winter break.

How will I be able to get from the south end of campus to the north end?

The north mall, from the Trellis to the Administration Building, will be closed to pedestrians throughout the duration of the project. Pedestrians will be redirected to the perimeter entrances of affected buildings, which include the Administration Building, Erik Jonsson Academic Center, University Theatre, Founders North Building, and Founders Building, Cecil and Ida Green Center, and Cecil H. Green Hall.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to use the indoor skybridges that connect the Administration Building with the Erik Jonsson Academic Center, Founders North Building, Founders Building, Cecil H. Green Hall, Lloyd V. Berkner Hall and the North and South Engineering and Computer Science buildings. Allowing additional travel time to reach your destination is highly recommended.

How will I be able to get to the University Theatre for an event?

Temporary access will be provided for scheduled events.

How will this affect Parking and Transportation?

Depending on their destinations, drivers may need to park in different lots and plan additional travel time. Drivers may experience some delays as large trucks move in and out of campus, and road flaggers will be on hand to direct traffic as necessary. The entrance to parking lot G will also be revised.

Cyclists should remove their bikes from racks inside the north mall construction area no later than Tuesday, Dec. 17. Any bikes left in the construction area on Wednesday, Dec. 18, will be impounded; owners will have to pick up their bikes at the UT Dallas Police Department. Bike racks will be relocated to accessible locations on the perimeter of the affected buildings.

What will happen to the Love Jack and the Spirit Rocks?

The Love Jack will be moved to a temporary location and later assigned a new, permanent location. The Spirit Rocks will be moved to a temporary location until they can be moved back and incorporated into the overall design plan of the north mall. The temporary locations will be determined soon.

What will happen to the trees currently in the mall?

Most of the trees will be moved and eventually transplanted elsewhere on campus.