Design Phase of Student Center Renovation Gets UK Board OK

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 31, 2014) ― The first step toward renovation and expansion of the University of Kentucky Student Center came today when the UK Board of Trustees approved the design phase of the capital project. 

Originally constructed in 1938 and expanded in 1963 and 1982, the Student Center is again experiencing a space crunch and no longer able to fully meet the needs of students, faculty, staff and other constituents.  The Student Center, which has been celebrating its 75th anniversary this school year, hosts nearly 2 million visitors a year.

Its renovation and expansion is part of an overall plan to enhance student life across campus ― a plan that started with an ambitious housing revitalization.  Among the improvements planned for the Student Center are updated student activity and study spaces; dining and retail operations; parking; bookstore and other amenities in support of student success.

The cost of the design phase is not expected to exceed $17 million, which will be initially financed with agency funds using the current legislative authorization.

Meanwhile, another important service to campus ― parking ― will get a boost.  The UK Board of Trustees approved the initiation of a project to construct a parking lot on Scott Street at the site of the Reynolds Warehouse #3 (formerly UK Stores), which will be torn down. The $1.9 million project is expected to create approximately 265 parking spaces that will offset the recent loss of other parking on north campus due to the residence hall construction.

The project will be paid for with fund balances.