Construction has campus buzzing

Mississippi State is enjoying something of a building boom, with more than $85 million in new construction or major renovation currently under way or soon to be. Among the largest of these projects are:

• The Joe Frank Sanderson Center. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held in July for the indoor recreation center. The project total is more than $19 million. A substantial portion was provided by 1943 graduate Joe Frank Sanderson of Laurel.

• A new chemical engineering building is on the drawing boards. More than $18 million in funding is secured, including state funds and major contributions from alumnus Dave Swalm.

• A new Diagnostic Instrumentation and Analysis (DIAL) Laboratory is under construction at an overall project cost of about $8.8 million, from both state and federal funds.

• A renovation of Hand Chemical Lab focusing on the air handling system is almost ready to begin at a project cost of $6.3 million, including funding of $2 million from the National Science Foundation.

• A renovation of Garner Hall, a former residence hall, will accommodate offices for the registrar, student financial aid, and cashiers. That project is for more than $2 million.

• New horticulture greenhouses will be built this year behind Dorman Hall at a cost of $2 million.

• McArthur Hall will be renovated starting this year to house offices of the comptroller, procurement and contracts, and human resources. That project total is just under $3 million.

• Renovation of Perry Cafeteria at a cost of $2.7 million will begin this year, using both state funds and a major gift from Mrs. Jane Perry.

• A $1 million interior renovation is planned for Colvard Union.

• Work is under way on an outdoor intramural recreation complex to include softball and soccer fields and restrooms. That project totals $3 million.

• A Livestock Arena and Equine Training Facility will be added at the South Farm at a cost of $6 million.

• Research and Extension Center offices at Verona have just been completed for $1.5 million and planning is under way for a similar center at Holly Springs.

• This year's session of the Legislature provided $8 million for campus improvements and $1.5 million for a new Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center building.

• Half of the $8 million for on-campus improvements will go into a major renovation of McCain Engineering Building, providing for new air-conditioning and electrical systems, lighting, an elevator, and other needs.

• The other $4 million for on-campus use was appropriated for infrastructure improvements. That funding will help build a new North Entrance Road from Highway 82, allow an expansion of the underground heating and cooling water lines, and provide for major improvements in the campus water system.