UM Makes Campus Improvements to Support Continued Growth

The University of Mississippi is making strides to improve and expand its campus and supporting infrastructure through several current and upcoming construction projects.

The improvement efforts, referred to as Rebels Remastered, will serve to meet the needs of the growing campus. The first of these projects include constructing a new central mechanical plant and renovating the Paul B. Johnson Commons to expand dining facilities.

Rebel Remastered. UM Photo by Kevin Bain.

“These projects will serve as foundational pieces that will support future growth on this campus,” said Larry Sparks, vice chancellor for administration and finance.

Construction began March 5 on the new central mechanical plant between Gertrude Ford Boulevard and the parking lots along Old Taylor Road. This new facility will increase the university’s capacity to heat and cool structures, accommodate near-term and future growth, and provide opportunities to enhance efficiencies in energy production and consumption.

After the new plant is operational, the old central mechanical plant in the center of campus will be demolished, Sparks said.

“This will free up space within the academic core for expansion,” he said.

The construction will affect various traffic routes on campus. Sparks asks drivers to be patient during the construction and to follow the signs for detours.

“Growth and improvement sometimes causes inconveniences, but when we get through this period we will reap the benefits down the road,” he said.

The construction is scheduled for completion before the fall semester begins.

For a detailed map on construction projects and road closures, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/beautiful/.