Spring 2023 Campus Planning
The physical landscape of the MTSU campus continues to evolve and grow in positive ways! Here are some key construction updates.
SCHOOL OF CONCRETE AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Students began using MTSU’s new $40.1 million School of Concrete and Construction Management (CCM) Building on the west side of campus in October, as they prepare for professional careers in a high-demand sector throughout the booming Nashville area and beyond.
Among the many features of the integrated and experiential learning laboratory are:
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Four basic materials and building labs
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A dedicated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing classroom
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A 200-seat lecture hall and a covered amphitheater
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A virtual design and construction lab capable of advanced building models and construction simulations
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An augmented virtual reality lab
Construction is a $1 trillion-plus industry that impacts every aspect of life—where we live, work, learn, shop, dine, and more. Students graduating from the programs average $60,000-plus in starting salary and have an almost 100% placement rate.
I’m amazed at the many ways concrete was utilized in the design and construction. Students will see firsthand how the many forms of concrete can add value and creativity to a structure. The building is a true living laboratory, with examples of various construction techniques and operating systems operating in full view of students.
The 54,000-square-foot building is a major change for the 135 current Concrete Industry Management majors and 200 Construction Management students from their previous 9,000-square-foot Voorhies Engineering Technology space. Along with a neighboring Applied Engineering Building, set for groundbreaking this spring (see below), the new facility marks an expansion of MTSU’s Science Corridor of Innovation.
KOM AND RUTLEDGE HALL RENOVATION
Design has started for this project, and Anecdote is the designer of record. Design will continue through 2023 with construction set to begin in summer 2024. Kirksey
Old Main will house Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science, and Data Science. Rutledge will be converted from a residential hall into an office/classroom building to house University College/University Studies. Renovations to both structures will include major renovations of HVAC, plumbing, data/IT, and electrical systems; replanning of building layouts to accommodate future use; accessibility improvements; window replacement; roofing; and other exterior building improvements. Small additions are also envisioned on both buildings to allow for new entries and vertical circulation. Demolition of the E.W. Midgett Building will be included in the scope of work.
APPLIED ENGINEERING BUILDING
The 89,000-square-foot Applied Engineering Building will serve as the home for the Engineering Technology and Mechatronics Engineering programs as well as provide space for future engineering programs. We are currently wrapping up construction drawings. The project includes demolition of Voorhies, infrastructure, site improvements, and surrounding pedestrian and vehicular circulation. HFR Inc. (Nashville) and Cooper Carry (Atlanta) are the designers for the project. Construction completion is anticipated in summer 2025.
CAPITAL MAINTENANCE
Multiple capital maintenance projects are ongoing across campus, including:
• Cope Administration Building reroof
• Campuswide utilities repair and replacement
• Elevator modernizations
TENNIS COMPLEX
Construction has started on our new on-campus tennis facility at the corner of Middle Tennessee Boulevard and Greenland Drive. The outdoor complex will include eight tennis courts, seating for 250 fans, new locker rooms, and new coaches’ offices. Project completion is fall 2023.
STUDENT ATHLETE PERFORMANCE CENTER
Design continues for this project. Goodwyn Mills Cawood is the designer of record for this project with HOK as a design consultant. Construction is set to begin this spring. The center will include new athletic offices, locker rooms, training areas, football operations space, and support spaces. The project scope also contains required site development, including parking improvements and site utilities. To facilitate the desired location of the building, we will be relocating the Murphy Center loading dock.
A planned groundbreaking ceremony for the new center scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 19, was postponed in respect for alumnus and Trustee Joey Jacobs, who died on Saturday, Jan. 14. Jacobs was among the leaders of the Build Blue campaign, an ambitious effort announced in late 2021 to improve and modernize the University’s athletics facilities.
The President's Annual Report
