Workers Ahead

      Ball State University has seen a lot of changes over the years. Expanding from what is now known by students as the quad, BSU’s campus has been improving and expanding ever since the university’s founding in 1918. This past school year has seen an unprecedented amount of construction, however, as construction on Emens Auditorium ended early in the Fall 2018 Semester while construction on the new Nursing building just south of Emens continued.

“It’s been a long road, but we love seeing people stop by to take a look at the progress.” Richard Mulder, one of the construction workers assigned to the nursing building stated, “The biggest obstacle is always the weather. Even a little drizzle can make conditions hazardous.”  

That seems to be the case as work has been halted today as rain continues to pour. With the nursing building being finished in time for the Fall 2019 semester, eyes have turned to watch the ongoing progress of the Johnson Dormitory Complex.  

“I love driving in and seeing how far they are getting. It’s like seeing someone building a puzzle piece by piece.” Sarah Jenkins, faculty member at BSU, eagerly enjoys seeing how the campus will change after future projects. “I just hope the Theatre and Dance department will get some much needed attention too.”

While the Department of Theatre and Dance has pleaded with the university for updated facilities and a center for the arts, it seems that funding has not found its way to the stage quite yet. Plans have been approved for the demolition and reconstruction of the Cooper Science Building as well as further athletic areas, a replacement for the Woodworth Parking Garage, and a newly revamped Multicultural Center. As more constructions crews come to campus and further projects wrap up, this reporter wonders how long before BSU is unrecognizable.

For full details on the BSU Master Plan please search online at:  https://www.bsu.edu/about/campus-master-plan

(This story accompanies a Facebook Live post made Saturday, June 15)

Facebook Live Post available at https://youtu.be/dVv7glnAbFc
Checkout the promo at https://twitter.com/news_rivera/status/1139956612582531072?s=20