As the fall 2011 semester begins, construction continues on WT campus grounds. Renovating and building new structures are at the forefront of WT’s agenda to lead the University toward a quickly growing future.

WT has construction plans that are at various stages of development from ideas to full completion.

Two major projects underway are Centennial Hall and the expansion of the Jack B. Kelley Student Center. Another project in development is a new athletic center.

In order to create space for more students, WT commissioned the estimated $32.5 million towards building Centennial Hall. Although Centennial Hall was slated to open for the fall 2011 semester, setbacks occurred, and the date has been pushed back to Nov. 1.  There was a six-week delay with the steel for the building. Since then, other aspects of the project have gone smoothly, which allowed things to move along fairly quickly.“We are real pleased with where we are with Centennial (considering the setback),” Jon Behrens, senior director of residential living, said.

Upon completion, Centennial Hall will be one of the most upgraded yet pricier residential halls on campus. In fact, a double room in this Hall is rated at $2,550 per semester while other dorms rate from $1,850 to $1,500 per semester. It is co-ed by floor and the double occupancy rooms include features such as: moveable furniture, individual room temperature controls, large windows and a sink with vanity.  The building’s amenities include wireless access, three TV gaming lounges, multiple study lounges, a multi-purpose room and a formal lobby.

As of now, the students residing in Centennial Hall are assigned three to a room until the rest of the rooms are completed. Due to the inconvenience, students will be reimbursed almost eight dollars per every day spent in a tripled room.

“I understand the inconvenience and wish [Centennial] had been 100 percent,” Behrens said.

All students were informed by letter about the delayed completion and three-person room situation. The residential assistants have ensured that all students get their fair share of the space in the room in order to avoid as many problems as possible.

According to Behrens, complaints were limited and parents and students have handled the situation well. Those who were unhappy with the setup were transferred into another residential hall.

“The construction work can be noisy and frustrating,” Priscilla Red, a freshman Biology major, said. Red said the situation is being handled well and everyone has been polite about the whole ordeal.

Centennial Hall is not the only construction project at WT this semester. The JBK Student Center is in the initial stages of construction for an expansion that will create more work and lounge space for the growing number of WT students.

The funding behind the estimated $10.9 million JBK expansion came from a $5 student fee increase implemented in fall 2010 after passing in a student referendum.

“I only mind [fees for projects] if it doesn’t benefit us [students],” Star Ghill, a freshman Biology and Pre-Med major, said.

Included in the expansion will be a new first floor and basement which will include: a lobby/common area, office space, information center, catering kitchen, meeting rooms, student lounge and a multi-purpose room capable of holding 500 people banquet-style.

The JBK is a 43 year-old building that has not seen major reconstruction since its switch from an administration building to the Student Center in 1988. The plan was approved by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, and Western Builders has been designated as the general contractor for the project. The completion of the expansion is estimated for the fall of 2012. The JBK will continue to remain open throughout the construction process. Construction on campus can be considered inconvenient and distracting, so the University does not want the construction to be a continuous imposition for students.

“Being the Student Center, it is important that we meet the needs of the students,” Chance Haugen, JBK Student Center manager, said.

According to WT’s website, students can also look forward to a $4 million, 31,000 square foot athletic center. The project was recently assured after long-time WT supporters Ray and Barbara Bain donated the lead gift, initiating the start of the project. Along with other private donors, the Bain family was able to raise 50 percent of funds needed for the project.

The athletic center is still in the pre-construction stage but has the design has been mapped out. Included in the athletic center will be a strength and conditioning center, an athletic training and hydrotherapy center, academic success and team meeting rooms, a champion atrium and a welcome center.

With enrollment increasing every year, construction is a major step in leading the University towards a growing future.

Check out the WT website to stay continuously updated about construction project developments.