As the Fall Semester welcomes a new freshman class, Ball State University will also introduce a new recreational area for on-campus residents.
The newly-renovated area of green space can be experienced between Noyer Complex and the surrounding residence halls on the east side of campus.
Jim Lowe, director of engineering and operations, oversaw the project from the beginning.
"It was a fairly quick project," Lowe said. "We didn't start until after graduation and planned on being finished by the new school year."
As Lowe explained, there was a conglomeration of residence halls: Park Hall, Noyer Complex, the Studebaker Complexes and DeHority Complex, and there was no unity to them. "We had this quad of residence halls that lacked functional green space to connect them all," Lowe said. "Now we have a more social space, a living space and a gathering space."Landscape was improved as well. A pond and fountain were created to make the space more comfortable.
"Now we have a big, open valley for the residents to enjoy that's appealing to the eye," said Lowe.Medians were created across Neeley Avenue, which was also curved to provide a better appearance.
Aesthetics aside, there were also more serious benefits to the project.
The green space was also designed to provide better sightlines along Neeley Avenue for cars pulling in or out of the street. It has also made the docks at Bracken Library, Emens Auditorium and Noyer Complex more accessible and less dangerous to maneuver in.
"It's much calmer now," Lowe said.
The Office of Facilities, Planning and Management is also planning on altering the space further next summer.
"Neeley Avenue will be completely ripped out and redrawn up to the architectural building," Lowe said. "This will help connect the recreational areas created with the residence halls."
Randy Howard, vice president of business affairs, said the project cost $600,000.
"The money came out of reserve funds that the university maintains as part of the living and dining services," Howard said.
These funds have been earmarked for such projects and don't affect tuition costs.
Parking for some on-campus residents with blue parking permits has been rearranged because the newly-created green space eliminated parking space by Noyer Complex.
Lowe said despite geothermal drilling in the area, students with H2 permits have been relocated to the north side of campus in the H1 and G1 lots.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
