Construction of the new Bietz Center for Student Life is now projected to be done by the summer of 2020.
Associate Vice President of Finance Marty Hamilton said that campus can expect to see progress being made on the building by the spring of 2018.
“We know [the construction] is going to take about 18 to 20 months,” Hamilton said. “Right now we are finishing up our schematic design.”
The plans for the building, first scheduled to begin to be constructed in 2014 next to Hulsey Wellness Center, have changed over the past three years.
The Accent reported in 2015 that construction had been initially delayed due to a lack of funds, but the project was revitalized with the retirement of former Southern president Gordon Bietz, whom the building is named for.
Over $13 million were raised for the student center during a campaign to honor the legacy of Bietz’s 19 year tenure.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 28, 2016 and Herin Hall, the building that used to occupy the new location for the center, was demolished on July 24, 2016.
Planned features of the new building, although not finalized, include space for Campus Ministries, a new eatery and various study locations for students.
