Construction on schedule for Upchurch University Center
Published 12:43 pm Thursday, February 25, 2016
- A conceptual drawing depicts the view of the Upchurch University Center from Lankford Mall.
By Carly Shaia
Special to The Farmville Herald
Longwood University is filled with construction noises and fences as parts of its main campus under revitalization.
Many buildings are being created fresh and new, while others are getting some needed tender love and care. One of the buildings under construction is the Norman H. and Elsie Stossel Upchurch University Center, being built on the site of the former Cunningham dormitories.
According to Longwood spokesman Matt McWilliams, the center is currently “on schedule” with its construction plan.
The building will be completed in spring 2018, according to McWilliams.
The Upchurch University Center has a budget of “$30 million, anchored by a $4 million leadership gift by Elsie Stossel Upchurch,” said McWilliams. The project is “on-budget” and has not deviated from the plans. Despite the construction, McWilliams said that “Wheeler Mall will continue to be the commencement location.” This has not changed from last year, when the construction originally began.
The new student center, which should be completed by Spring 2018, will be located at the site of the old Cunningham dormitories.
Louise Waller, Longwood’s director of campus planning and construction, said that the center “will dramatically improve our student services at the heart of campus.”
With the upcoming vice presidential debate in October, Waller said, “by the time the spotlight shines on us next October, the incredible building will have begun to take shape.”
