Ball State Trustees Approve Residence Project
Ball State has been without a permanent president since early 2016.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowBall State University trustees have approved the first phase of a new north residential project. The school says the $90 million effort, which will include a residence hall and stand-alone dining facility, is designed to create a new campus gateway.
The project is part of a master plan that includes replacing LaFollette Complex, which is being demolished in sections over the next few years.
The five-story residence hall will accommodate about 500 students and house the university’s STEM Living-Learning Community. Ball State President Geoffrey Mearns says its part of an effort to create "a 21st century living-learning environment for our students." The dining facility will feature eight "micro-restaurants" and house administrative offices for Dining Services and Housing and Residence Life.
As part of the project, McKinley Avenue, the main road through campus, will be realigned at the north entrance to the university. The school says the redesign, which will include a roundabout, medians and a bus stop, will enhance pedestrian and driver safety by eliminating "sight and speed issues at the current curve."
Ball State will now seek state approval to move forward with the project.