Campus Development News

[Trojan2003]

Major non-athletic related construction and renovation projects (Troy campus):

2007/2008

Completed:

Barnes & Noble Bookstore (New building)
Trojan Village Appartments (New buildings)
Trojan Center Project (Expansion/Renovation)
General Education Building (New building)
Fraternity Village

Under Construction/Renovation:

Dining Hall project (New building)

Planned:

Troy University Alumni Center

[Trojan2003]

Trojan Village Appartments

Summer 2007

Costs: $24 million

524 bed student housing facility
56 2BR/1BA units (112 beds)
101 4BR/2BA units (404) beds

Location: Adjacent to Clements Hall
Number of Residence Halls: 4

Amenities:

Multi-purpose room with kitchen
Centralized mail room
On-site resident manager apartment
Game room
Fitness Center
Computer lab
Convenience store

http://troy.troy.edu/housing/dorms/trojanvillage/tva/images/tva01.jpg

media kit: http://www.troy.edu/news/mediakits/Student%20Housing%20Center.pdf
site concept: http://www.troy.edu/news/photogallery/2006/august/04_ground/pdf/72106_color_site_concept.pdf

website: http://troy.troy.edu/housing/new_halls/index.html

more info: http://www.amblingunivdevgroup.com/

[Trojan2003]

Jack Hawkins Jr. College of Education Building

anticipated completion date: January 2009

Costs: $13 million

Design: Seay, Seay & Litchfield architects of Montgomery
General Contractor: Whaley Construction Co., Inc., of Troy

"Named in honor of the University’s chancellor, the Jack Hawkins Jr. College of Education Building will be a five-story, 90,800 square-foot building that will include 12 classrooms, five laboratories, three conference rooms, a workroom and a theatre-style auditorium that will seat 140 students. Space for expansion will be available in the building’s attic and basement." (Troy Office of University Relations)

http://troy.troy.edu/education/coe_assets/images/COE%20front%20view.jpg

media kit (incl. new renderings): http://www.troy.edu/news/mediakits/dill_hall_complete.pdf

[Trojan2003]

Barnes & Noble Bookstore

Fall 2007

Costs: $2.5 million

This new 11,000 square-foot-store will include a reading area, and a Starbucks coffee lounge.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/Trojan2003/Bild1.jpg

rendering: http://www.troy.edu/alumni/alumnimag/2006_fall/torchlight.pdf (pp 6-7)

[Trojan2003]

Trojan Center Project

January 2008

Costs: $3 million

New additions include:

New Post office (24/7 access)
Commuter lounge
Convenience store

Food court expansions:

A&W Restaurant
Pete’s Arena Pizza shop

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/Trojan2003/trojancenter.jpg

[Trojan2003]

Fraternity Village

Fall 2010

costs: $8M

7 8,517 square-feet-two-story houses (each will include 24 beds, a chapter room, a social room with warming kitchen and laundry facilities)


http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/Trojan2003/fratville.jpg

houses (left to right): Sigma Chi, Lambda Chi Alpha, Alpha Tau Omega, Pi Kappa Phi, Delta Cho, FarmHouse and Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

link: http://www.troy.edu/news/mediakits/fraternity_village_kit.pdf

[Trojan2003]

Dining Hall

"The new dining hall will include seating for about 1,000 students and include about 40,000 square feet."

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g224/nhs_bandgeek07/dininghall.jpg

[Trojan2003]

Residents, developers debate as city looks toward future growth plans

By Jenny Humphryes, The Messenger

What will become of Highland Avenue?

The fate of this street, which once was a haven for single-family homes but now is mostly rental property for college students, is possibly the most volatile debate when discussing the city's ongoing study to develop a long-range strategic plan for Troy.

Property owners along University Avenue, which backs up to Highland, as well as the First Presbyterian Church and its school, Covenant Christian, are concerned that single families and children next door to college housing don't mix.

“We just feel that college students live a different lifestyle than families,” said Raymond Taylor, an elder at First Presbyterian Church. And, he said that is not necessarily a bad thing, but the two just don't mix.

Property owners K.T. Cole and Troy coach Richard Shaughnessy, who jointly own nine lots on Highland Avenue, hope to one day build much-needed apartments for university students on their property, which would mean a change in zoning from R-1 to R-3.

Cole said plans are to take the first four lots on the right side of Highland coming from George Wallace and build an apartment complex for college students that would house about 120 to 150 people. Each 1,232-square-foot unit would have three bedrooms and three baths, a dining room, kitchen area and a porch.

“There will be fire walls in there with new windows and new insulation, which is soundproof,” Cole said. Measures that would cut down noise.

He said the exterior of the building, which he plans to call Stadium View Apartments, would compliment plans the university has to build the Troy University Alumni Center on the other side of the street.

Cole said the apartment complex would have a large fence, much like the one around the football stadium, keyless entry, with entry into the apartments being through an inside hallway, and a full-time security guard.

“It would be safe for the kids,” Cole said.

“It would be dorm-style (apartments) where we could contain where they come in and go out from,” Cole said.

[...]

http://www.troymessenger.com/articles/2007/05/26/news/newsssss01.txt

[TroyFirst]

Here's the rest ...

But Taylor said Covenant Christian parents have expressed concern about the idea of having college students so close to their playground and school.

“This is an established single-family neighborhood and one of the few that's left on this side of George Wallace.” Taylor said.

Church members and area residents feel that if you look at the city maps, there already is a more than adequate amount of land zoned R-3 to accommodate new housing for students, Taylor said. “It just doesn't happen to be on the east side of the stadium,” he said.

A decrease in property value as a result of rental property and student housing also is a concern for Highland and University residents, Taylor said.

As history has indicated in other cities, he said, property values have decreased when you have rentals instead of homeowners.

But in the last two years, Taylor said investors have gone in and purchased the property and it has increasingly become rental property.

“With its proximity to the football field some investors feel like they can make some money,” he said.

Cole disagrees with that assessment. He said the exact opposite is the case. “The first house I bought on Highland, I paid $40,000 for. The last one, I paid $145,000,” he said.

Property along Highland currently is R-1. The city strengthened the R-1 zoning ordinance last year, Taylor said, to clarify that no more than two unrelated people can live in a single-family home, but the ordinance is still being abused to some degree.

There also continues to be noise issues with the students who currently rent the houses on Highland, Taylor said.
“Our pastor's manse is right there,” Taylor said, pointing to the room and its proximity to the fence, “and his bedroom is on the back corner. Numerous times there has been loud music and talking that generally starts around 10 p.m. and goes until the wee hours of the morning.

“On several occasions he has had to call the police to ask them to be quiet and he has personally asked them,” Taylor said.

University Avenue resident Billy Whitehead said noise also is his main problem with the students, and it is cramping his lifestyle.

“I am 50 years old and I work out of my house and don't bother anyone. I like it quiet,” he said.

But for the past year, he has had college kids living next door and across the street from his property.

And many times, Whitehead said he has problems with the kids pulling their cars right up next to his back yard with their music blaring.

“I have become very irate in the middle of the night with those kids,” he said.

“The city needs to do something,” Whitehead said. “Why is it there if the city is not going ot enforce it?

And he said the city may have to be sued to enforce the ordinance.

If the city chooses to rezone the area, Whitehead said he will move. “I will just go back to Montgomery. We are tired of the noise,” he said.

A neighborhood committee has been formed in the area, Taylor said, and residents are planning to make their concerns known to the team conducting the study for the city. The consulting group wants input from the neighborhoods and citizen input, he said.

Taylor said the First Presbyterian Church is not against growth at Troy University or college students. “We want Troy to continue to grow and appreciate that and concur with that,” he said.

But Taylor said there is plenty of land already zoned R-3 where that growth can take place instead of coming into an area that is a single-family neighborhood.

The neighborhood and the church is not sure what will happen. “We will just have to wait and see,” Taylor said.

Cole said he believes the city has hired the best people it can to do the best thing for the university and for Troy. “I am going to support what the mayor and city says we need to do,” Cole said. “I could be selfish, but that is not the right thing to do.”

Cole says people can't have their agenda's out there because they are dealing with the good of the entire city.

Shaughnessy and Cole said they understand the findings of the study may not be in their favor, but they said if the city chooses not to rezone the area, then he would just have to live with it.

“But we'd like to be optimistic,” Shaughnessy said, “because I do see a need for more housing and something possibly to compliment the university.”

“I am not going to promote my own agenda or push or shove,” Cole said. “I am going to leave that up to the people to tell us what's right to do, and we will go along with it.

“If rezoning is not done, we will have to figure something else out,” he said.

But Cole said 90 percent of the property on Highland Avenue is rental, and he has copies of zoning applications signed by every resident saying they are in favor of the rezoning.

Cole also has a letter from Troy Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. dated April 6, which applauds Cole's efforts to get the area rezoned.

“This letter supports your efforts to rezone Highland Avenue from residential to commercial use,” the letter stated. “Troy University applauds your initiative and endorses your proposed concept for additional housing close to campus.”

“The complexion has changed on Highland Avenue, and actually, the market has dictated what we should do on Highland Avenue, and that should be for student housing,” Cole said. “We may all have to sacrifice a little bit, but we should do what's best for the city of Troy,” he said.

[Trojan2003]

Asbestos delays Dill Hall demolition

By Matt Clower, The Messenger

Dill Hall has been given a few more days to live.

The Troy University residence hall will remain standing a few extra days thanks to a delay in disposing of hazardous materials, which has put its demolition temporarily on hold.

Troy University had earlier announced that the dormitory would be taken down some time this week, but the demolition is being delayed because of more asbestos being found in the building.

Project Manager Jade Anderson said asbestos removal began last week, and during that process, workers found an old layer of asbestos tiles underneath two other layers of flooring.

The asbestos is in every room and disposing of it properly will take time, Anderson said.

“We need to take the time to make sure the material is disposed of safely,” Anderson said.

A new date for the demolition has not been announced, but it is still expected to be soon.

Dill Hall was built in 1959 and was later converted to apartment-style dorm rooms. It housed about 175 students each semester.

The building is being razed to make way for a new $13-million College of Education building, which will have 15 classrooms and 46 faculty offices.

Although Dill Hall is not the oldest dorm at Troy University, school officials have said the building has not aged well.

“Just based on the structural issues, I'd have to say that renovation would not have been the most cost-effective,” Anderson said.

Anderson said Dill Hall will be demolished using backhoes and cables to pull the building down a piece at a time.

The university plans to start construction on the College of Education building by July 1.

The demolition of Dill Hall is the starting point for a series of renovation and construction projects involving academic buildings at Troy.

Once the new College of Education building is complete, the current College of Education building, McArtha Hall will be torn down. But before that, the university will begin renovation of Bibb Graves Hall.

-> rendering: http://www.gotroytrojans.com/forums/showpost.php?p=51540&postcount=3

[Lord-Mustang]

Eldridge Hall is well underway already and the Dining Hall has now started initial stages. Eldridge should be completed sometime in August. It will be a One Stop Shop for Student Support. CompterWorks, Student Support Services, Writing Center, Counseling, Trio, and Upward Bound will all be in this area.

[Trojan2003]

Eldridge Hall is well underway already and the Dining Hall has now started initial stages. Eldridge should be completed sometime in August. It will be a One Stop Shop for Student Support. CompterWorks, Student Support Services, Writing Center, Counseling, Trio, and Upward Bound will all be in this area.

Do you know the future location of the new bookstore? Thanks.

[kiwan]

Just behind the Adams Center, it is complete, they just have not moved yet.

[Trojan2003]

Thanks for the info, kiwan.

[SoundoftheSouth]

We have started moving stuff little by little, but there is a date set though. I will keep you guys updated as to when the Grand Opening will be for Barnes & Noble.

[Trojan2003]

Dill Hall Demolished

By Matt Clower, The Messenger

A demolition crew began tearing down Troy University's Dill Hall one chunk at a time Thursday morning.

The aging dormitory is being demolished to make room for a new College of Education building. The demolition began with a ceremony in front of media cameras about 8 a.m.

A couple of Troy University administrators, Dean of Student Services Herb Reeves and Physical Plant

Director Mark Salmon, took the first ceremonial swings at the building.

Each took turns manning a crane and using its jaws to break off sections of Dill Hall's white, concrete facade.

When the administrators were through, the pros took over the cranes and began ripping off sections in earnest.

Troy University spokesman Clif Lusk said the demolition should take about two to three weeks to complete.

Construction on the new College of Education building is expected to start on July 12, and the building is to be opened by January 2009.

The facility will provide a posh new home for Troy's oldest academic program - the university started as a teacher's college in 1887.

“Obviously, teacher education certification has been the lifeblood of Troy University since its inception,” Lusk said.

The new education building will have 15 classrooms and will provide a central location for the school's education faculty, currently spread across several buildings.

Dill Hall was built in 1959. It's 50 apartment-style dorms housed about 160 students each semester.

[Trojan2003]

College of Education Building (new renderings):

http://www.troy.edu/news/mediakits/dill_hall_complete.pdf

[Trojan2003]

New student housing nears completion at Troy

By Matt Clower, The Messenger

Troy University's new student housing complex is almost finished, and two of the four buildings already are being used to house summer football campers.

Not bad for 10 months of work.

Alex Whaley Jr., president of Whaley Construction Company, said the bulk of the construction on the remaining two buildings should be wrapped up by this week. Ground was broken on the project Aug. 9.

Whaley acknowledged the project had an aggressive timetable.

“The key to getting the project done in this time frame was teamwork,” Whaley said. “No individual or company could have pulled this off without working together.”

The complex is located next to the Clements Hall dormitory on almost six acres of land. It consists of four four-story residence halls.

Walking through the construction site on Wednesday, Whaley rattled off a quick list of statistics showing how massive the project was.

More than 300,000 square feet of sheet rock was used, 200,000 square feet of floor covering and 15 miles of wiring.

“The one I'm most proud of is the 200,000 effort hours without an accident,” Whaley said.

Inside the new dorms, the halls still smell like fresh paint. The rooms are two- and four-bedroom units. Students will have private bedrooms that share common living and kitchen areas.

The Ambling University Development Group designed the dorms. Mickey Loyd, vice president of project management for Ambling, said the design for the dorms is meant to offer a living experience on par or better than any off camps apartment.

“Our goal with this design is to bring students who have moved off campus back,” Loyd said.

More privacy is the number one student request when it comes to dorms, Loyd said. Ambling's design gives students a private room that can be locked to protect belongings.

The rooms also have cable and high-speed Internet, and there is wireless Internet throughout the building. The complex will have a convenience store, a fitness center and a large lounge with a 50-inch plasma television.

The new dorms will cost $2,000 per student per semester for the four-bedroom units, and $2,250 for the two-bedroom units.

The dorms are expected to be fully occupied at the start of the fall semester, said Dean of Student Services Herb Reeves. Applications were made available to students last semester, and the rooms went fast.

Reeves said the new dorm complex would bring the total number of beds on campus to about 2,000. The campus lost about 175 beds when Dill Hall was torn down last month.

It remains to be seen how long the new dorms will satisfy the demand for housing as Troy's enrollment continues to grow. Based on current applications for on-campus housing, Reeves said all of the campus dorms likely would be full again next fall.

“We'll have to take a close look at what kind of housing is being developed off campus before we make any future decisions,” Reeves said.

[Trojan1998]

We have started moving stuff little by little, but there is a date set though. I will keep you guys updated as to when the Grand Opening will be for Barnes & Noble.

If I heard correctly the other day, the grand opening ceremonies for the Barnes & Noble will be July 26th.

[FHBrian]

that is what I heard as well when I was in Troy last week.

[SoundoftheSouth]

The new book store will be Open July 9, 2007. The Opening Ceremonies will be July 27, 2007. I will double check on this date, but I am sure this is correct. The Cafe' is wonderful; thats where I work by the way. You guys will be AMAZED! Trust me!

[Trojan2003]

Could you post some pics for us? Maybe next week?

[SoundoftheSouth]

Sure, I will see what I can do.

[Trojan2003]

Barnes & Noble opens Monday

By Jaine Treadwell, The Messenger

The long awaited and much anticipated opening of the new Barnes & Noble College Booksellers has arrived.

Although the grand opening of the bookstore won't be until July 27, the doors will open for business at 7:30 a.m. Monday.

Shawn Jennelle, manager, said the final push to get everything ready is under way, and he and his staff are excited to bring the Barnes & Noble “experience” to the Troy University campus and to the community.

Barnes & Noble is not new to the campus, but the new store will be slightly more than two times the size of the present store and also will feature a Starbucks Coffee.

“Starbucks Coffee will not compete with any other food establishments on campus,” Jennelle said. “It will just enhance what is offered.”

Starbucks will have different flavors of coffee and cheesecakes and penne. There will be seating for 35 inside and 40 on the outside.

“This will be a great place for people to come and have a cup of coffee, talk and read. It provides a unique atmosphere for students and for the people of the community.”

The bookstore will offer the same book system as other Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

“We have a large selection of books, and if we don't have it, we will order it,” Jennelle said. “Having a store of this size and with this large volume of books means that people will no longer have to travel to Montgomery or Dothan to get the books they want.”

With gas prices sky high, the cost savings in gas will almost pay for a book.

“We want the people of this area to think Troy University when they think of Barnes & Noble.”

The store also will carry Troy University items from automobile stickers to T- shirts and jackets, as well as gift and specialty items.

“From time to time, we'll have special events and promotions,” Jennelle said. “On July 20, we will have a costume contest in conjunction with the release of the Harry Potter book, ‘Deathly Hallows' and, of course, we'll have the books. The winner of the costume contest will get the first book that is available at a few seconds after midnight on July 21.”

A long line and a late night are expected for the Harry Potter release. “Anytime there is a big promotion for a book, we'll be involved,” Jennelle said.

Store hours until July 27 are 7:30 a.m. until 6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday.

After June 27, Barnes & Noble will be open later and seven days a week.

The grand opening on June 27 will coincide with graduation.

“Graduation is the main event of the day, so we will continue the grand opening on July 28, and there will be things for the kids, too,” Jennelle said. “But, on Monday, July 9, we will be operational and we want to invite everyone to stop by and see the new store and what all we have to offer. We want this Barnes & Noble College Booksellers to be a community store as well as a university store.”

[Trojan2003]

Troy to cut ribbon on two building projects, hold summer commencement July 27

By Matt Clower, The Messenger

July 27 will be a busy day for Troy University.

In addition to summer commencement, university officials will cut the ribbon on two major construction projects - the new student housing village and Barnes & Noble bookstore.

Construction on both projects is in the final stages. Two of the new dorm buildings are open and being used to house students on campus for summer camps. The bookstore is set to open its doors on Monday.

Together, the two construction projects represent an investment of more than $25 million by the university.

University spokesman Clif Lusk said the new dorms, which cost about $23 million and have 524 beds in four buildings, are part of the most expensive building project ever initiated by the university.

“We are opening the doors on the first new residence hall project since we renovated Clements Hall,” Lusk said. “This is a state-of-the-art facility that was designed in a way that was responsive to student requests. Student feedback was used throughout the process.”

The addition, the new dorms will bring the number of beds on campus to about 2,000.

The 11,000-square-foot bookstore is a $2.5 million investment by the university, plus about $300,000 put in by Barnes & Noble.

“Having a Barnes & Noble bookstore on campus adds a new dimension to the services that we can offer to students and to the community at large,” Lusk said.

With the culmination of both building projects, the university will begin looking ahead to several other construction projects that will further change the landscape of the Troy campus.


Next up, the school will break ground on a new College of Education building on the spot where DiIl Hall used to be. It will be the second new academic building built in the past two years.

Lusk said bids are out now for the College of Education project and should be back next week.

“This is such a significant sign of the growth that we are experiencing ... and the need we have for additional classroom space,” Lusk said.

Also on the horizon for Troy is the renovation of Bibb Graves Hall.

Max Roberts, president of Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, will be the speaker during summer commencement, and he will be on hand for the ribbon cutting at the new bookstore.

The Troy University Board of Trustees also will meet that day.

[FoulPolePhenom]

When will the changes in the Trojan Center take place? They don't have that much longer until school starts, so isn't it about time?

[Trojan2003]

Funds sought for Bibb Graves restoration project

By Jaine Treadwell, The Messenger

Bibb Graves Hall is the oldest building and most widely recognized landmark on the campus of Troy University.

The storied hall has not changed in 80 years, and that's a problem because time and use have taken their toll on the building, which houses the Sorrell College of Business as well as several offices.

Troy University consistently produces successful business leaders and entrepreneurs throughout the United States and the world. To continue this tradition and meet current needs, it is vital that structures like historic Bibb Graves Hall be upgraded, said Dr. Jean Laliberte, associate vice chancellor for development.

“Bibb Graves is so important to Troy University,” Laliberte said. “Not only is it the oldest building on campus, it is also the footprint for other buildings on campus. Most everyone who has attended Troy University has had classes in or some association with Bibb Graves.

“The building is in great need of restoration and the restoration project is under way with a fundraising campaign, ‘Progress Through Restoration,' which invites alumni, friends of Troy University and corporations to be partners in the campaign.

Laliberte said plans are for the building to be gutted and completely redone on the inside. However, the outside of Bibb Graves will look “exactly the same.”

Once the restoration is completed, Laliberte said only the Sorrell College of Business and the technology centers will be housed there.

“The restoration will cost about $7 million and we are about halfway there,” she said. “Plans are to begin the renovation in January 2009 with a target date of the fall 2010 to begin classes.

“Once the restoration is completed, Bibb Graves Hall will be more responsive to the needs of today's technology. We have outstanding students and an outstanding faculty and we need an outstanding facility to house our programs. The upgrading of Bibb Graves is in response to that need.”

Laliberte said that every investor of the “Progress Through Restoration” campaign can be certain that the university is committed to providing educational excellence to it students.

Each donor can also expect the highest degrees of trust and confidence in the university's commitment to judiciously use funds invested in underwriting the Bibb Graves Hall renovation.

Laliberte said the Troy University family is encouraged to be a partner in ensuring that the futures of all Troy University students are filled with opportunity and promise.

For more information about the Bibb Graves Hall restoration project or to make a donation, contact the Foundation Office at 670-3608 or 670-5925. Checks may be mailed to the Foundation Office, Troy University Foundation, 260 Adams Administration Building, Troy, AL 36082. Checks should be made out to Troy University Foundation.

[Trojan2003]

When will the changes in the Trojan Center take place? They don't have that much longer until school starts, so isn't it about time?

Any updates on the project?

[Trojan2003]

Ribbons cut on new TROY facilities

Media Kit: http://www.troy.edu/news/mediakits/troy_University_kit.pdf

Photo Gallery:

http://www.troy.edu/news/photogallery/2007/july/23_ribbon_cutting_ceremonies/index.html

http://www.troy.edu/news/photogallery/2007/july/27_commencement/index.html

TROY – Troy University officially dedicated two new facilities on its Troy Campus Friday, a residence hall and a Barnes & Noble University Superstore.

[...]

http://www.troy.edu/news/archives/2007/july/07262007_ribbons_cut.html

[Trojan1998]

I went to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Barnes & Noble and the new residence hall complex this afternoon. Both were very nice, quick ceremonies. Those who attended the opening of the bookstore received a $5.00 gift card from Barnes & Noble corporate office representatives who were on hand.

I also stopped by the new Horizon's Travel Center on Hwy. 231 across from Wal-Mart. Inside the Horizon's it has a full-service Backyard Burgers and a Godfather's Pizza Express. I also noticed that to my dismay, this new store sells ball caps from just about every SEC team and has zero Troy Univ. merchandise. They have two styles of Arkansas caps for crying out loud and nothing with Troy on it. When will these local businesses in Troy ever learn?

[TroyFirst]

I hope you asked to speak to the manager and asked him why no Troy gear is sold.

We have to speak up to get Troy on the map - sometimes even in our own backyard.

Merchandising is one area in which Troy still has not left I-AA.

[Trojan2003]

Site prepped for apartments

http://www.troymessenger.com/articles/2007/07/25/news/newssss01.txt

By Matt Clower, The Messenger

More than 20 acres of land at the end of Academy Street in Troy is being stripped clear to make way for a large new apartment development that will have more than 500 rooms.

The new apartment complex is a project of Charlotte, N.C.-based developer Campus Crest, a company specializing in college apartments.

Dan Norman, president of Development for Campus Crest, said Troy is one of nine apartment complexes the company is working to have ready for next year.

“With the campus, the university and the demographics, (Troy) is a good fit for us,” Norman said. “The university folks seem very excited about us, and we look forward to working in partnership with them.”

The new complex will be called The Grove at Troy. There will be 526 bedrooms in 200 units. It will have 10 buildings, some with three-bedroom units and some with two bedrooms. Norman said there also will be a clubhouse, a swimming pool, volleyball courts and other amenities.

“We really like to be active with our students,” Norman said.

Campus Crest currently manages 10 complexes in seven states.

In Alabama, Campus Crest has sites near the University of South Alabama in Mobile and in Jacksonville near Jacksonville State.

Herbert Reeves, dean of student services at Troy University said any additional housing for students will is good news.

“As far as on campus housing, even with the new dorms we are at maximum capacity again and are actually having to turn people away,” Reeves said.

Reeves said he's heard the off campus housing is also near its capacity.

“As a university we hope to continue our upward trend of growth ... but we've got have housing,” Reeves said.

On Wednesday, bulldozers rumbled through the area, shoving trees and other vegetation into fire pits that wafted up huge columns of white smoke, making way for the new apartment complex.

Troy fire Chief Thomas Outlaw stood on the sidewalk and looked on as the loads of material was dumped onto the large fires. He said the Alabama Department of Environmental Management had issued a permit to the builders allowing the vegetation to be burned on site. The Troy Fire Department and police will be monitoring the fire to ensure it burns safely.

Outlaw said burning the material is safer than trying to haul it all away.

“It really is safer for them to just burn all of this on site rather than have so many trucks coming in and out of here trying to haul it off,” Outlaw said.

The crew working on the site was issued a three-day burn permit.

When the land is cleared, work will begin on the apartment complex.

The Grove at Troy is expected to open in August 2008.

[Burn the Horse]

I hope you asked to speak to the manager and asked him why no Troy gear is sold.

We have to speak up to get Troy on the map - sometimes even in our own backyard.

Merchandising is one area in which Troy still has not left I-AA.

I couldnt agree more. Troy has deffinantly fallen behind itself in merchandising. Our football program has grown faster than expected, and the merchandise for all those new fans is not available to them. Last week I was in Montgomery at Eastdale Mall and FINALLY saw some Troy hats in Hat Shack. They had a new Twins Enterprises' Franchise style fitted cap in cardinal (wasnt that good looking honestly) and two MLB style wool caps with ghost print of the T on the front and the Hector face on the back.

Signing an online exclusive deal with ScreenTech was probably one of the worst decisions the school made. Not that ST is not a fine company, but because no Div. 1 program should be limited in who they license their merch out to. IMO, Troy needs to ***** itself out and make sure we have flashy, trendy merchandise in every store in the south at least. Who knows, a lot of kids these days buy hats just because they like the mascot or the look, and that is advertising baby! Lets get our name and logos out there!!!!

[TroyPremier]

I think we can do that without "whoring" ourselves. I agree with your post.

[Trojan2003]

Troy Messenger

http://www.troymessenger.com/articles/2007/07/28/news/newsssss03.txt

News

New additions focus of celebration Friday at Troy University
By Matt Clower, The Messenger

[...]
.
.

"There are more student amenities still coming to the university in the months ahead. Schmidt said the campus student center, which connects to the bookstore, soon will be getting a pizzeria, an A&W Root Beer restaurant, a convenience store and a new fitness center. He said those additions should be in place by January."

[jt45]

Troy Messenger

http://www.troymessenger.com/articles/2007/07/28/news/newsssss03.txt

News

New additions focus of celebration Friday at Troy University
By Matt Clower, The Messenger

[...]
.
.

"There are more student amenities still coming to the university in the months ahead. Schmidt said the campus student center, which connects to the bookstore, soon will be getting a pizzeria, an A&W Root Beer restaurant, a convenience store and a new fitness center. He said those additions should be in place by January."
So we have no Trojan Center food court between now and then?

[Trojan2003]

Troy begins education building By Alvin Benn

By Alvin Benn
abenn@gannett.com

link: http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070811/NEWS02/708110342/1009

TROY -- Troy University officials broke ground Friday on a $13.6 million education building that will bear the name of Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr.

Held under a tent as temperatures approached 100 degrees, Hawkins drew laughs from faculty members and other supporters when he told them his speech would be short and to the point.

"I know the only thing that stands between you and the air conditoning is me," said Hawkins, who has helped transform what was once a teachers' college into an international university with an enrollment approaching 30,000 students, worldwide.

Most officials on campus were aware of plans for the five-story, 90,800-square-foot building, but few -- including Hawkins -- knew what name would be put on it.

During an interview prior to the program, Hawkins said when the Troy Board of Trustees met earlier this month, trustee John Harrison distributed copies of a resolution to everyone but him.

"I didn't know what was going on, but the more (Harrison) read, the more I realized where it might go," said Hawkins, who was president of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind before he came to Troy in 1989. "They did a great job of keeping it a secret."

State Superintendent of Education Joe Morton called Hawkins "a groundbreaking and dedicated leader who has demonstrated his capacity to lead Troy University."

"I can think of no building on campus more in need and no name for it more deserving," said Morton, whose praise of Hawkins was echoed by Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford, who also took part in the program.

The five-story building will include 12 classrooms, five laboratories, three conference rooms, a workroom and theater-style auditorium that will seat 140 students.

Hawkins took the opportunity to announce that Lance Tatum had been named dean of the College of Education.

The new building is expected to be completed in about 18 months.

Troy University Provost Ed Roach said the building boom is apparent to anyone driving through the campus, which is 45 miles south of Montgomery.

"You only have to look around to see a new residential village, a new bookstore, academic buildings, athletic facilities and even a new quad -- all of which were not here five years ago," said Roach.

Once the Jack Hawkins Jr. College of Education is completed, it will provide facilities for everyone involved in the program, including faculty, students and support personnel. At the moment, the faculty and classrooms are scattered throughout other buildings on campus.

The project's general contractor is Whaley Construction Co. of Troy. Whaley recently completed Trojan Village, a four-building residence living facility, as well as a new Barnes and Noble bookstore.

When the program ended, Hawkins and his wife, Janice, several trustees and others involved in the project broke ground for the building, which will be located on University Drive not far from the football stadium.

-> General Education Building: http://www.gotroytrojans.com/forums/showpost.php?p=51540&postcount=3

[Trojan2003]

Food court at Troy campus faces delay

By Holli Keaton
E-mail

link: http://www.dothaneagle.com/gulfcoasteast/dea/local_news.apx.-content-articles-DEA-2007-08-18-0016.html

TROY — At the end of last semester, Troy University closed its late-night dining facility, Frank’s Place, with plans to open a whole new food court by the start of school this fall.

However, a new year has come and some students may be wondering why everything looks almost the same.

According to Herb Reeves, dean of student services, the university’s plan for a new food court on campus was put on hold when they discovered the mechanical capacity of the building was not up to par for the project.

“The more we got in to the project, the more obstacles there were,” Reeves said. “The heating and air had reached its capacity.”

Reeves said the university could have started the project a few weeks ago, but then the school would open with no food court at all.

Now, the project will be delayed until the final week of November and will be ready to open again in January.

In the meantime though, a new post office and fitness center will be built in the Trojan Center.
The Market Grill, a food vendor that usually closes early, will temporarily serve as Troy’s late-night facility for those who once ate at Frank’s Place.

In January, an A&W, Pete’s Arena and a smoothie shop will all be added to the food court and will stay open until midnight.

“We’re not where we want to be,” Reeves said. “We’re kind of hopeful to be able to pull the trigger on this though.”

Additional cooling and heating will be added to the building this semester. Offices will also be moved to create lounges with televisions and game rooms for more seating space.

By May 2009, the university has more plans to completely renovate Stewart Dining Hall, the other dining facility. As soon as this project is underway, Reeves said the university will determine whether the dining area has any similar mechanical problems that could cause delays.

[Trojan2003]

New student gym opens at Troy University

Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 - 06:00 AM

By Holli Keaton

link: http://www.dothaneagle.com/gulfcoasteast/dea/local_news.apx.-content-articles-DEA-2007-08-29-0006.html

Whether they’re bulking up or sliming down, Troy students can now work out in style.

As part of Troy University’s health and wellness initiative, a new fitness center featuring all new equipment made its debut on Monday.

According to Shane Tatum, coordinator of recreation facilities, the equipment in the old gym was between 10 and 15 years old.

“The main thing is the university started a health and wellness initiative, and the first step to that is to provide a facility to the students with exceptional equipment that meets the needs of the population,” Tatum said. “The usage we had in (the old area) was dictating us to get new equipment because we are constantly using it.”

While most of the new machines are up and running, there is one feature still on the way – televisions.

Each cardio machine will contain a 17-inch monitor with cable TV, allowing students to watch what they like while they exercise.

“You could be watching one channel and the person next to you can be watching a different channel,” Tatum said.

With the university’s cable plan, the school will be able to advertise and allow campus organizations to do so as well.

“If I wanted to say the food court is offering new menus, I could put that on those TVs,” he said.

The new fitness center is located in the area that contained the stretch room in the Trojan Center two years ago. Last year the gym was moved to make space for the construction of Barnes & Noble and the remodeling of the fitness room.
While some space may appear to be taken out, Tatum said the fitness center has the same square footage as it had before.

“But we have twice as much equipment in here,” he said. “We haven’t taken any equipment out. We’ve only added.”

Some Troy students have already taken advantage of the new gym, and they approve.

“I like it a lot. I like the new equipment,” said student Bryan Segraves, a sophomore music industry major from Smiths Station. “It doesn’t feel as robotic.”

“It’s clean and a lot better than the old gym,” said Simi Adeeko, a freshman criminal justice major from Toronto.

One student acknowledged the role of the gym in Troy University.

“I think the new gym is impressive with its new equipment. I think even though the space is gonna be tight, the students will get to enjoy it,” said Olutimilehin Olusanya, a senior broadcast journalism major from Minneapolis. “It’s a great new addition to Troy University.”

[Trojan2003]

Student center upgrades near completion

Matt Clower, The Messenger

link: http://www.troymessenger.com/articles/2008/01/02/news/newsssss04.txt

Troy University students returning to class next week may not recognize their old student center.

The student center is getting a major face lift and will have new restaurants, retail shops and a completely renovated interior when classes resume on Jan. 9.

On Wednesday, the work was in high gear as the deadline for completion loomed. Final inspection is set for Friday. Workers were busy putting the finishing touches on new tiling, touching up paint and installing signs for the new eateries.

There's still a lot to do, but Herbert Reeves, dean of student services, said the new student center will be open for business when classes start.

"One way or another, we'll be ready," Reeves said.

The new food court will have an A&W Root Beer restaurant, a pizzeria, a Sub Connection and a new smoothie shop. The Chick-fil-A and Marketplace eateries will be returning.

The space formerly occupied by the bookstore will now hold several retailers, including a convenience store and possibly a nail salon.

There will also be an expanded game room and a new television lounge.

The student center was last renovated in 1996, and Reeves said it was time for an upgrade.

"You can't keep doing the same thing forever. You've got to reinvent yourself every so many years," Reeves said.

The university is hopeful the upgrades will prove popular with current students, and prospective ones.

"It's going to have some recruitment value," Reeves said. "It improves the quality of life on campus.

Last year, the university completed work on a new bookstore in the student center.

The $2.5 million Barnes & Noble bookstore in the student center is the first of its kind in the state.

[TroyFootball05]

Does anyone know the total enrollment for Spring 2008? I'd like to know how much we are progressing each semester.

[FliryVorru]

The last day to drop a class was Sunday, so those numbers won't be available for a week or two.

[Trojan2003]

Does anyone know anything about this project?

Troy University - Immediate Capital Requirements (FY 2008-09)

Priority: 9
Project Name: Library & Technology Center - Troy
Category: New Construction / Acquisition
Projected Funding Sources: ETF State: 14,000,000
Estimated Total Costs: 14,000,000
Basis of Requirement: Enroll. growth/Improv. of campus life

-> http://www.ache.state.al.us/Information/Publications/FMP2009-2013/Index.pdf

[FliryVorru]

As far as I know that document is the "ideal plan" for the university.

As for what the actual project IS, I haven't an idea. But it's good to seen Hamil and Gardener getting renovated in 3-4 years.

[Trojan2003]

Published May 07, 2008 - 20:39:08 CDT.

University set to begin renovations on Bibb Graves Hall

By Holli Keaton, The Messenger

-> http://www.troymessenger.com/articles/2008/05/08/news/news08.txt

Troy University officials are making preparations to renovate one of the school's oldest buildings on campus.

Bibb Graves Hall, which houses the business department, is scheduled to begin renovations in January 2009.

This will be the first time the building has been renovated in about 80 years.

"The big thing about the renovation is it hasn't been renovated since the building was built," said Jean Laliberte, associate vice chancellor for development. "We like to say we have outstanding faculty and outstanding students. We need a building that matches all that, and this renovation will bring that to pass."

The three-story building's renovation will not add additional classrooms to the building, but it will have a more modern look and updated technology.

"It will have a lot of the same character," Laliberte said. "It will be completely up-to-date in terms of technology."

The renovations will also include the addition of the Center for International Business and Economic Development, which will be located where the courtyard is behind the building.

The university's Confucius Institute, which is a center set to further the university's ties to China, is a major component of the program.

"The Confucius Institute is a center that will expand cultural education," said University Spokesman Andy Ellis. "It increases our opportunity to work with them and partner with them in business ventures and educational ventures as well."

The renovation project will be funded through a capital campaign on private funds, and Laliberte said the university will be working hard to complete the fundraising by January 2009.

Once the College of Education Building is complete, Laliberte said business students will move their department to McCartha Hall, where the current education classes are taught, until renovations are complete.

Also located in Bibb Graves is the university's Information Technology Department, which will not be a simple transition.

Chief Technology Officer Greg Price said the school has not yet determined where the IT Department's new home will be.

"We are still doing research," Price said. "We've identified some locations that could house us, but we are still trying to find the best suitable location."

Price said the department's diversity will not make the move a simple one.

"We have a lot of equipment," Price said. "We have a higher demand for electricity and cooling. Any location on campus would have to be adjusted to meet our needs."

Price said the IT Department and the university have been working for more than a year to develop a move plan prior to renovations in Bibb Graves.

"What our plans offer are very little to no down time," Price said. "It will be a protracted move over the period of several weeks."

The Bibb Graves renovations are scheduled to be complete and ready to begin classes by fall 2010.

[FliryVorru]

Of course, because Alumni Hall has been updated so recently.... heck, the GAB needs to be redone before Alumnni!

[VT Trojan]

Didn't they just redo some of the 1st floor offices and stuff in Bibb Graves a year or two ago. Im pretty sure I remember going in there and them doing some construction on things.

[TroyFootball05]

Of course, because Alumni Hall has been updated so recently.... heck, the GAB needs to be redone before Alumnni!

Screw alumni hall. They just need to TEAR THAT THING DOWN and build another new dorm or two like the ones near alumni.

[SOTS_tuba]

Alumni isn't really all that bad it's the how the people live there that make it bad. I was in there my freshman year I didn't have a problem with roaches, mold, or any of that stuff in my room. It's people that live there that don't clean up after themselves and would rather destroy stuff than leave it be that make it so bad to live in. About the only things they really need to do to that place it put up security camera, hire RA's that will actually keep an eye on things, and replace the ac units so they can be controlled by the people in the rooms and not the physical plant.

I wish they could utilize that ravine kudzu filled thing behind it and the dinning hall though.

[SOTS 86-89]

I wish they could utilize that ravine kudzu filled thing behind it and the dinning hall though.

Off the subject, but speaking of the ravine behind Alumni/Saga...that is where they placed the remains of Kilby Hall between Thanksgiving 1986 and January 1987.

[Trojan2003]

Jack Hawkins Jr.
College of Education Building
(Under Construction)

-> http://troy.troy.edu/education/

Front view:

http://troy.troy.edu/education/coe_assets/images/COE%20front%20view.jpg

Back view:

http://troy.troy.edu/education/coe_assets/images/COE%20view.png

[SOTS_tuba]

That is going to be a nice addition to the campus. I like the fact that it'll be ready by the time I start to take education class's :)

[TU Rob]

I know they renovated a couple of offices on the floor of Bibb Graves a few years ago. They re-did the old offices of the Dean and updated them. It looks nice in there. But I think they are talking about a total renovation to all offices and classrooms.

And as far as Alumni, what needs to happen to it involves a crane and a large ball.

[Burn the Horse]

And as far as Alumni, what needs to happen to it involves a crane and a large ball.

Agreed. When I was a freshmen living in that cell block, I had more roaches than human hall mates.

[TU Rob]

Agreed. When I was a freshmen living in that cell block, I had more roaches than human hall mates.


I never had roaches, but the year I lived there, starting in the Fall of '99, there were more fake fire alarms, busted jugs of milk in the stairwells, and one time, someone had spread feces all over the walls of one of the wings. It starts to make you question the admission standards of the school when you have to live in the same building as people who will do these things to the place they live.

I never had a roach problem, but I remember several cold Sunday nights going to sleep when it had been warm on Friday when I left to go home for the weekend, but it had gotten chilly over the weekend and the heat was not on when I got back. Thank goodness for cheap space heaters or we would all have frozen.

[Trojan2003]

Troy University to get more on-campus parking

By Holli Keaton, The Messenger

-> http://www.troymessenger.com/articles/2008/05/29/news/news03.txt

Troy University students will have additional parking to look forward to once they return from summer break.

As the university has continued to grow, administrators have placed the need for more parking among the top of the school's needs.

"The need for additional parking is because of growth on campus," said Dean of Student Services Herb Reeves. "And, as we continue to grow, we're going to need additional parking."

In part of a project to repave all the internal roads and parking lots on campus, the university will add about 200 parking spaces behind the Trojan Center, where the old ROTC building once stood.

"We asked the Department of Transportation how we could maximize the space there to obtain the most parking we possibly could," Reeves said.

While the plans are still being finalized at this time, Reeves said the parking lot will expand from the road in front of Malone, back to the golf course and up next to the power plant.

In addition, Reeves said the medians would come out to allow for more spacing.

University officials are also looking beyond just adding parking spaces over the summer.

James Bookout, senior vice chancellor of financial affairs, said the administration is seeking ways to accommodate parking in the future.

Bookout said he is looking into the possibility of constructing a parking deck on the university's grounds.

With the construction of the new Jack Hawkins Jr. College of Education building, Bookout said there will be an increased need for parking.

"In order to accommodate parking for faculty and staff there, we'll have to designate those spaces in Sartain Parking Lot," Bookout said. "We are looking for at the feasibility of building a multi-level parking deck."

Bookout said he is not certain where the parking deck would be located, but one area is behind the new education building.

However, the land they are considering is not yet owned by the university, Bookout said.

[FliryVorru]

Praise God.

Well, that's step one: get them to think about it. Now let's see if they do it or just roll over and go "We don't wanna.... it's hard."

[Burn the Horse]

what if it came down to either a new basketball arena, which would help our athletics move into a better conference...or a parking deck, which would help with overcrowded student parking?

[TroyFootball05]

what if it came down to either a new basketball arena, which would help our athletics move into a better conference...or a parking deck, which would help with overcrowded student parking?

Basketball Arena. For sure. Parking isn't as bad as people make it out. I went to class last semester and I very rarely found myself in a parking fiasco. There's places to park, always, you just have to leave the house earlier and find them. The problem is everyone wants to park in the parking lot by smith hall. So when people say they can't find a parking space, what they really mean is, they can't find one kin the 200 space lot by smith. People don't want to walk to class from a parking lot on the other side of campus. Let's be glad we don't have a parking situation like auburn, where just about everyone walks or rides bikes.

[Burn the Horse]

I agree. Besides, walking a bit might just offer some exercise and help lessen that pesky freshman 15.

[ksdtrojan]

I agree. Besides, walking a bit might just offer some exercise and help lessen that pesky freshman 15.
I always rode my mountain bike while I was there. I never struggled with parking.

[Lord-Mustang]

So which then would be better? A parking deck, a new basketball arena, or more academic teaching space?


Let me just say that people tend to forget we are an EDUCATIONAL Institution First and Foremost. I enjoy athletics as much as the next person, however, when budgets get crunched, should technology and teaching facliities suffer so we can afford to send our athletes all over the country to barely break even? Or shouldn't we invest more in technology and teachers to educate the students to better prepare them for a job? More alumni, with more jobs, making more money, means more donations for the university, and that's when the entire university....including athletics will benefit the most.

[Trojan1998]

So which then would be better? A parking deck, a new basketball arena, or more academic teaching space?


Let me just say that people tend to forget we are an EDUCATIONAL Institution First and Foremost. I enjoy athletics as much as the next person, however, when budgets get crunched, should technology and teaching facliities suffer so we can afford to send our athletes all over the country to barely break even? Or shouldn't we invest more in technology and teachers to educate the students to better prepare them for a job? More alumni, with more jobs, making more money, means more donations for the university, and that's when the entire university....including athletics will benefit the most.


Academic facilities aren't being ignored. The brand new College of Education building will be completed within the next few months and Bibb Graves Hall is about to undergo massive renovations beginning in December. After the Bibb Graves project is completed, McCartha Hall is going to be torn down and a new academic building is going to be built in its place.

[SOTS_tuba]

But if they tear down McCartha where will the students go in during a nuclear fall out???:rolleyes: I think the University is doing a decent job juggling the two. If it ever came down to academics or athletics, academics all day long. Speaking of McCartha, I heard a rumor going around that the English dept. would move there, or the building on that site, and the school of music would be given more or all of Smith. Has anyone else heard this or was it just wishful think of music majors.

[Lord-Mustang]

Bibb Graves Renovations may have to be pushed back due to a State Funding Issue. McCartha isn't going to happen for several years...so great, we have the School of Education, but that still isn't enough.

[SOTS_tuba]

Didn't they just finish the GAB 05?? Now the new education building in 08. They renovated smith in 03, Eldridge hall has just been renovated and the computer works and tutoring programs have been moved there. From what I can tell they are altering the building/renovation programs. If they put a stop to all athletic building until all the educational buildings were finished we would never upgrade any thing athletic.

[Trojan1998]

Bibb Graves Renovations may have to be pushed back due to a State Funding Issue. McCartha isn't going to happen for several years...so great, we have the School of Education, but that still isn't enough.

I'd say that for now it is more than enough. We aren't yet in a classroom space crisis. We are, however, in more of an on-campus housing crunch, even with the opening of the new Trojan Village last fall semester.

[Trojan2003]

Apartments filling fast

By Holli Keaton, The Messenger

-> http://www.troymessenger.com/articles/2008/08/01/news/news01.txt

Local apartments have been reaping the benefits of Troy University's on-campus housing shortage, and filling up fast as school time draws near.

About 173 Troy University students are still looking for housing, the university reports.

"That list is being worked down again today, so it will probably come down again," said Dean of Student Services Herb Reeves. "People who have not confirmed are being pulled out."

Troy Place Apartments, one of Troy's largest student housing facilities, has been filled since July 20, and 35 to 40 people more are hoping to get in.

"We have a waiting list, but we're not going to be able to get all the people off," said Leasing Professional Angela Wilkerson.

While Wilkerson said it's not uncommon for their apartments to fill up by mid-July, there is something different about this year.

"We've had more on the waiting list this year due to the university housing situation," Wilkerson said. "It happens every year, but it seems like it was more this year."

Wilkerson said the apartment complex has spoke with around 30 people everyday looking for housing.

Around town, other apartment complex employees had similar stories.

The Grove, Troy's newest apartment complex catering to college students, filled their last vacancy Wednesday, said employee Kim Lowrey.

Danny Lee, property manager for seven apartment complexes in Troy, including Collegedale Apartments, University Park and 201 University, said all of his apartments are completely full.

He doesn't keep a waiting list, but has about 20 additional applications. Lee said that is more than he typically has.

"Due to the housing situation on campus, there's still a lot of people out looking," Lee said.

There are still some apartment vacancies - but not many.

Joanne Wheeler, property manager of Willow Terrace, said the complex is 90 percent full, which is typical for this time of year.

However, Wheeler said in the last week, she has sent several applications out to students looking for housing, and the vacancies may go fast.

Porter Properties, which includes University Corners and three other apartment complexes in Troy, has just one two-bedroom apartment left at Bradford Court.

Though several new apartment complexes have sprung up in the last years, there may be a need for more still.

Diane Galimore, president of the Pike County Board of Realtors, said she doesn't think Troy's market for apartments is reaching its limit.

"The enrollment has increased every year, and the college is continually recruiting new programs and students," Galimore said. "As the college grows, we're going to have to continue to grow."

[Trojan2003]

The palladium of Jack Hawkins, Jr. Hall
-> http://www.troy.edu/news/photogallery/2008/September/30_hawkins/index.html

September 30, 2008

http://www.troy.edu/news/photogallery/2008/September/30_hawkins/thumb/hoist1_thumb.jpg

The palladium of Jack Hawkins, Jr. Hall was hoisted to its perch atop Troy University's newest academic building that will house the College of Education. The three-story structure weighed about 27,000 pounds and was lifted over the building by the use of a crane. Its placement signified the major completion of the exterior construction phase. The College of Education expects interior construction to be finalized for a January 2009 move-in date. Whaley Construction of Troy is the building's general contractor. (TROY photo/Clif Lusk)

[redwave]

During halftime of the the FIU football game one of the announcers had a chat with Steve Dennis and I seem to remember that they mentioned a new arena and maybe an indoor football practice facility. Is something like that for real in the works or did I just hear what I dream will happen? I have heard mention of this before but not this official.

The other (real old) redwave.

[Lord-Mustang]

It was listed on the Troy.edu website back in May:


http://www.troy.edu/news/archives/2008/march/03262008_trustee_gift.html

[Burn the Horse]

"Come join us, you can be a winner too." I'd like to personally thank everyone who lost money at Victoryland, without you, this gift would not have been possible. ;)

[SOTSAlumBigGuns]

"Come join us, you can be a winner too." I'd like to personally thank everyone who lost money at Victoryland, without you, this gift would not have been possible. ;)

LOL

Some of my paycheck comes from that guy. (we do his advertising--not me, my coworkers) I met him once and almost told him thanks for the donation, but I didn't know if that would be weird or proper business etiquette.

[troy145]

During halftime of the the FIU football game one of the announcers had a chat with Steve Dennis and I seem to remember that they mentioned a new arena and maybe an indoor football practice facility. Is something like that for real in the works or did I just hear what I dream will happen? I have heard mention of this before but not this official.

The other (real old) redwave.

The arena is definitely the priority as far as I understand it over the indoor practice facility because the arena (and people to fill it) is what will allow us to get in to a bigger conference.

i think

[Burn the Horse]

i hope the arena is built in the open endzone of the football stadium. then we could incorporate a new athletic department and maybe a new "stadium club" area for fans. it'd look so amazing.

[troyw]

i hope the arena is built in the open endzone of the football stadium. then we could incorporate a new athletic department and maybe a new "stadium club" area for fans. it'd look so amazing.

I couldn't agree more.

[JonesOxygen]

Ain't happening, cost too much to have it there. Look across the street.

[Troy87]

Ain't happening, cost too much to have it there. Look across the street.

Yeah, the soil test went bad and was going to cost an extra $5M to do that. My preference would still be where Tailgate Terrace is now, but I do think if the Armory property becomes available from the Fed Gov't, that will be the likely spot.

At this point the Armory property may have already been surplused by the Nat'l Guard, and a decision made, but I have not heard that to be the case.

[Lord-Mustang]

So is the reason we aren't filling the arena now because people don't want to go the Sartain? We haven't had a packed house game yet and was just curious why we need a new arena when we can't fill the one we have. I know a lot of you are goingto attempt to argue with me on this, but honestly, why should the University go into more debt when we can't sell out the current venue? Let's face it folks...there aren't a lot of millionaires lining up to donate money to the University or the Athletics program...so where are the funds suppose to come from?

Don't get me wrong....it would be a very nice addition to the campus, but can we really afford it?

[Trojan2003]

University will tackle three capital projects

TROY –Troy University Board of Trustees today gave the go-ahead to issue up to $57 million in new debt through its Series 2009 Bond issue for three major construction projects on the Troy Campus.

The action came during the board’s regular meeting Friday and authorizes Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. to handle negotiations and financial arrangements on the construction of a new multi-purpose arena, a fraternity village and a new dining facility.

The multi-purpose arena is expected to seat between 5,000–6,000 spectators in a basketball setting with additional floor seating for major University events such as commencements, convocations and other large-scale events. That structure may also include a student recreation facility.

The new dining hall will include seating for about 1,000 students and include about 40,000 square feet. The existing Stewart Dining Hall, by contrast, seats only about 400 students at a time.

The University’s Fraternity Village will replace outdated structures along Pell Avenue to house TROY’s growing men’s Greek organizations. As part of the project, seven fraternity houses will be built and leased by each fraternity.

Both the Fraternity Village and the new dining facility are expected to enter final design stages and undergo the bid process within the next three months, according to Mr. Jim Bookout, senior vice chancellor for finance and business affairs.

“We won’t know the specific amount of the bond issue until we get much closer to issuing the bonds, because we may also refund our current 2002 variable rate issue totaling $11.6 million, but this action allows us to move these vital projects closer to fruition,” Mr. Bookout said.

Although the anticipated bond issue would be guaranteed by traditional University revenue sources, much of the revenue needed for debt service has already been identified through other sources, Mr. Bookout said. In addition to funds provided by the bonds, private donations will also be used to help cover construction costs.

Committees are now reviewing plans for the Fraternity Village and the new dining facility, and University officials expect to begin advertising for architectural services on the new multi-purpose arena in the next few weeks.

[TroyFootball05]

The arena is definitely the priority as far as I understand it over the indoor practice facility because the arena (and people to fill it) is what will allow us to get in to a bigger conference.

i think

I agree, If we are to get into a better conference, we'll need that new arena. However, I have faith in the sunbelt that it will rise above, and become a much better conference in the next five years. We're already on the way.

[Trojan2003]

updated project list:
-> http://www.gotroytrojans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6633

Fraternity Village info:
-> http://www.gotroytrojans.com/forums/showpost.php?p=51545&postcount=6

[troy4ever21]

Here are some cell phone pics I took of the contruction work on the Bibb Graves new addition. It's been a while since anyone has posted any new pictures and the Troy website hasn't put new pics up since September. So here they are and I'll try and take some "real" pictures later this week. Enjoy!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g224/nhs_bandgeek07/494988199_1739065064_0.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g224/nhs_bandgeek07/495169692_1739760135_0.jpg

[Trojan2003]

-> http://www.troy.edu/news/mediakits/Complete_fraternity_village.pdf

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/Trojan2003/fratvillage-1.jpg

[Mike Cunningham]

Absolutely GORGEOUS arial photo. Thanks for sharing.