Cross Country Championships
Spotted: CSU homecoming
Hot Dog Fest
UD outlines plan for remodeling, new construction
Photos: Artist renderings of UD's master plan for its campus
Video: The University of Dayton master plan press conference
Comment: What would you like to see in the UD campus area?
Monday, February 18, 2008
DAYTON — University of Dayton officials publicly unveiled development plans today, Feb. 18, for its 259-acre campus, including parts of the 50-acre tract it purchased from NCR Corp. in 2005.
While a draft of the plan was previously released to community leaders and described in news reports in September, today's press conference marked the official unveiling and UD trustees' approval of a campus-wide master plan.
The plan includes remodeling, refurbishing and relocating some existing buildings on its historic core campus, along with new building concepts for half of the undeveloped former NCR land between Brown and Main Streets bordered by Stewart street.
UD has not decided what it will do with the rest of the NCR parcel between Main street and Patterson Boulevard, where it has demolished former NCR Building 26. It will temporarily use a 700-space parking lot there for overflow parking for UD events.
UD President Daniel Curran said in a statement the site's 23 acres, which it dubbed Campus West, "may ultimately be the largest and most complex redevelopment project in Dayton. Located at the edge of the Great Miami River, the land will end up serving as a gateway to the campus as visitors cross the Stewart street bridge from Edwin C. Moses boulevard.
The master plan creates a campus of three parts, all integrated with similar architecture and establishing a large, walkable community for the public and students. A pedestrian corridor and bikeway will link the entire campus to the surrounding community, from Shroyer Road to the historic core and through the students neighborhoods to the Great Miami River.
Curran said the construction outlined in the master plan will be spread over the next 10 years. He said some of the details of the plan may change as the university reacts to changing conditions, and it's impossible to estimate the total cost.
Curran said a crucial factor in determining what is ultimately built on the expanded University of Dayton campus is how much money can be raised for construction. As a private institution, UD depends heavily on contributions, and Curran said the need for construction funds has to be balanced against the need for scholarship and operating funds.
"We're not going to push the building agenda in a way that jeopardizes the financial stability of the university," Curran said. "The elements of the master plan will each have to be approved individually. We'll be moving ahead in a sequenced, rational manner."
For the existing campus, plans include:
• Overhaul of the iconic Immaculate Conception Chapel, built in 1869, beginning in 2009. The chapel's renovation will include more seating, a baptistry and additional liturgical space. UD has hired a liturgical consultant to help the redesign.
• Expanding Chaminade Hall, home to the school of education and allied professions.
• Creating an athletic training facility at the Physical Activities Center, including building six NCAA-regulation tennis courts.
• Adding a building for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs, to house a growing bioscience and bioengineering programs.
• Relocating Kennedy Union, the student union, to a nearby parking lot and constructing a new library in its place. Trustees have not approved the move yet, but it was recommended by the master plan consultant, Burt Hill and Associates.
Plans for the parcel of NCR land closest to Brown street, next to UD's College Park Center, include:
• A small performing arts center, called the University Center for the Arts, for visual art, music and theater. The building will contain a gallery and will be used for public events. UD is currently in the quiet phase of a fundraising campaign to pay for the building's construction.
• Another mixed use building at the corner of Stewart and Brown streets, similar to recently completed University Place, to continue Brown street corridor development. UD said it will partner with a private developer to build the mixed-use commercial building.
UD's National Alumni Association wants an alumni center on the new 50-acre tract, which trustees have yet to approve.
Additional projects over the next decade include a sustainable residence hall in the North student neighborhood, known among UD students as "the dark side," between Stewart and Wyoming streets. The hall, proposed by students in an honors biology class, would be a living and learning environment, would use solar energy for electricity and geothermal heating and cooling systems.
Up in the air currently is the future of the Roesch Library, Curran said. The university has not decided whether to invest in extensively renovating the 37-year-old main campus library or replacing it with a new building focused more on electronic resources and with more spaces for group collaboration.
The new construction does not mean UD wants to increase undergraduate enrollment, which will stay at about 6,800 students, officials said. It plans to grow by adding graduate students and more sponsored research, which it says now totals $76 million.
The plan will be financed through a combination of university resources, fundraising, state and federal grants, sponsored research funding and public-private partnerships, UD said.
Comments
By Morty McNutt
February 21, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
How about a White Castle?
By HR
February 19, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Bill Gottschall, I could not disagree with you more. UD has a very strong focus on undergraduate education! Many universities face the same problems as UD. I personally think UD has done an excellent job of addressing staffing, expansion, and academic issues, especially considering these challenges are endemic to the academic system and are not unique to UD. Sara, FYI Marycrest complex was completely renovated and overhauled just last year. Stuart and Founders will be next.
By Alumn
February 19, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
I would like to see a free shuttle service for UD students that run so often at designated stops, kind of like the RTA but for UD students only. Your access on the shuttle will be your student ID. Since UD is going to be expanding so much I don’t think Mom’s Limo will cut it anymore!
By Papa Ubu
February 19, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
I would like to see high-speed magnetic levitation train service betwen UD and Old North Dayton (though any other no-interest area will do)and an institute for the study of soap bubbles. And how’sa’bout flying donkey statue!
By Patrick
February 19, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this
A Performing Arts Center! Really? I think there was an opportunity a number of years ago for UD (or anyone) to purchase the NCR Auditorium. It was a beautiful building. I think they even saved the facade. Maybe that could be integrated into this master plan.
By John Bettinger
February 19, 2008 5:29 AM | Link to this
Any plans for a Brian Quirk Newstand that Brother Raymond Fitz could manage ?
By Dane
February 19, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this
I would also like to see a continued and growing relationship with UD and the city. I was over in the Fairgrounds Neighborhood the other day and loved the way that area is starting to look. I don’t like seeing young graduates, professionals, etc. moving to Kettering, Centerville, etc. No offense to those communities, but the city is a good place and could be great. Personally, I look forward to the day when the entire area between UD and Downtown is an area full of vibrant energy for the city.
By Dane
February 19, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this
Oh man, I cringe every time I see “comment on this”, but yet, like a car accident, I can’t bring myself to not look. As an alum living in Dayton, I just pray that UD keeps in mind the history of the school and what has made it so great while making these decisions. They will do fine.
By PK Property
February 18, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
Does UD still plan on purchasing Patterson Kennedy Elementary on Wyoming Street?
By kjm
February 18, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
@Paula
I understand the plight. But I think at this point, it would be very difficult to have the school suspend operations for Ash Wednesday when it’s not a Holy Day of Obligation. UD’s faculty, staff and students are probably not even a majority of practicing Catholics anymore. But if you feel so strongly about it, write them a letter about it.
By Alex
February 18, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
UD has put together a very well developed and thoughtful plan for growth over the next few decades. Well done! (and Paula, lighten up a little).
By Paula
February 18, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
KJM, don’t talk down to me. I know it’s not a Holy Day of obligation. But it is the first day of a very important season for Christians everywhere. It’s a day of fasting and prayer. Not Basketball. A Catholic school should reflect this in their schedule of events. What you’re saying to the student body and community is that sports and competition are more important. I would expect more from a Catholic organization.
By Sara
February 18, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
UD needs to update Marycrest, Stuart Hall and Founders. I graduated 23 years ago and moved my daughter in last year. Exactly the same. Same carpet, same paint (chipped), same dirt!
By John
February 18, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
DPSParent,
LOL.Are you serious?
What UD should do is play games at Kettering Fairmont and get out of that dump ou call Welcome Stadium. So I say lets get out of that dump and play where the not a mile away from the field.Whhere the press box and the seating are so much better. The locker rooms are even better at Fairmont. So UD even if they say you can have it for free tell then HE!! no and let parents like DPSParent pay to fix it up.
By kjm
February 18, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Isn’t it great for the DDN to give us place to voice our educated opinions. I look forward to being enlightened everytime I see “Comment on this”!
@Paula Thanks for your concern, but Catholics don’t recognize Ash Wednesday as a Holy Day of Obligation, so play on.
@Bill Pout Isn’t the internet a great place for us cowards to post our opinions, so no one will ever know who we are? :)
By Paula
February 18, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
UD claims to be so “Catholic” but yet, plays basketball games on Ash Wednesday evening when most Catholics should be in Church. This is a conflict of faith interest. It’s all about the money, sports, and winning. Who cares about Jesus anyway?
By Michael
February 18, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
Oh Man - you’re right on. FIX the parking problem instead of building more buildings to house people that cannot park their cars to get to.
By Paul
February 18, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Oh Lord…watch the tuition rates through the roof now to pay for this. What they need to do is FIX the parking the problem at UD. On a positive note, though, maybe it will be a boost for that part of town that has become so trashy.
By Paul
February 18, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Allow concealed weapon priviledges on campus. An armed campus is a polite campus. The Jesuits can teach firearm use and safety, as they have always, and will continue to be, the “SS” of Roman Catholicism. The Society of Mary priests on campus could sponsor “Bless your Weapon Day”, and sprinkle Holy Water on the Smith & Wessons, Colts, Rugers and Glocks brought to them. It’ll be like the old days of the Crusades!!! You could whack that “off his meds” psycho as soon as he started to shoot.
By DPSParent
February 18, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
SORRY UD FANS!!!!
Welcome stadium and the surrounding paking lots belong to DAYTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS!! We (parents and alumni of DPS) will NEVER allow UD to take the stadium!!! We fought back Queen Gail’s attempt to give it away to UD. Now if you want to see if improved show DPS the money!!!
By karon
February 18, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
streetcars are highly needed in Dayton, along with walking police patrols!
By Chris
February 18, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
I just watched the video and I must say that Daniel Curran looks a lot like Stephen Colbert.
By steve
February 18, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Sorry the citizens of Dayton depress you T.J. Did your parents force you to go to school here? It really irritates me when people who spend only 4 years of their life here want to dictate what will happen 20 years after they are gone. Were is dayton Public Schools suppose to go and play when they have big games? Oh I forget it would seem you don’t care about that just as long as they are not by you. I would love to see U.D. expand the bigger the better but please think before you speak.
By Mike
February 18, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
A centrally located parking garage (preferably underground with several levels) at current C lot (adjacent to Kettering Labs) would be spectacular. Would solve ALL parking problems (staff, student, visitor, etc.)
By Justin
February 18, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Cut off funding for UD parking services and make them get real jobs instead of giving fees to students with no money or ticketing alumni when they come back to visit. They’ll never get another penny from me those crooks!!!
By Bill Pout
February 18, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
UD needs a department of Hip Urban Studies. Degree candidates could serve “urban Practicums” whereby they pull shifts walking the streets of Webster Station and the Oregon district. This will convey the impression that those areas are not as deserted as they really are.
By Bill Gottschall
February 18, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
By Bill Gottschall
February 18, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
By Kevin
February 18, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
UD is great!
By older student
February 18, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
How about some decent parking? Its crazy to think they will be able to attract more, older, MBA-type students if they continue to make them walk a mile or more to the parking lot that they charge them almost $150 a year to park in. With no shuttle service, it is very difficult for people with arthritis and other physical problems to walk to classes. Since problems like this are not always apparant, not always be present, and may not need a handicap placard, the university makes them walk from S1
By Charley
February 18, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Build Mike Kelly Stadium on the site of the old Baujan Field and move the football team back to the center of campus where it belongs.
By Ed
February 18, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Get rid of Welcome Stadium too free up more parking and build a larger arena (with gift/memorabilia shop) for the basketball team. We have some of the best college basketball fans in the land but at a lot of the games we are restricted to the mere 13,435 available seats, I think if we had a bigger arena we would fill it.
By Margaret
February 18, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
24 hour pizza place, or Johnny Rockets.
By TJ
February 18, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
What about Welcome Stadium? Get Dayton Public Schools out of there. It’s a depressing place operated by depressing people. With the rising popularity in in lower division football (Appalachian State, Grand Valley State, Mount Union) UD is missing out. They will never jump up to the Scholarship division of Football until they have a respectable facility.
By Doug
February 18, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Build a new arena on the Patterson and Main St area, get away from that mess where it is located now