Construction to Begin Soon for New Student Success Building

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Initial construction on the Student Success District is underway, including the new Student Success Building.

The site is being prepared to pour the foundation and basement of the new building, as well as the foundation for a new east entrance to the Albert B. Weaver Science-Engineering Library. Wall framing, along with mechanical, plumbing and electrical work, are ongoing in the Main Library.

On May 15, new fencing was installed along the east side of Bear Down Gymnasium, with additional fencing running west to east along the north side of the Main Library. During renovations to the Main Library's entrance, a temporary west-side entrance will be available.

During renovations, all of UA Libraries' services and hours will be maintained, though some services will move to temporary locations while their areas are under construction. A complete list of services with temporary locations, and the associated time frames, can be found at https://new.library.arizona.edu/libraryrenovations.

"Our plan is to keep the construction process from constantly changing and shifting, which will keep the impact on vehicle and pedestrian traffic at a minimum," said Melissa Dryden, senior program coordinator for Planning, Design and Construction. "The multiple phases have been scheduled and organized in such a way to ensure that the bulk of the construction and renovation can take place simultaneously."

When students arrive on campus for the fall semester, they will see initial wall framing for the Student Success Building, along with some "significant changes to the landscape" near the fenced-off areas, Dryden said.

Construction on the Student Success District began in late January. The project aims to connect existing buildings near the heart of campus in order to integrate services and spaces designed to promote student success.

The district will integrate the Main Library, the Science-Engineering Library and Bear Down Gymnasium along with a new building – the Student Success Building – which is being constructed immediately south of Bear Down. Renovations are planned for the other buildings in the district, as well.

"The Student Success District offers University Libraries a unique opportunity to modernize significant portions of the Main Library and Weaver Science-Engineering Library within the larger design of the district as a seamless student experience across four buildings in one central location," said Shan Sutton, dean of University Libraries. "The two libraries' new services and spaces, focusing on collaborative, hands-on learning with technologies, complement the variety of services and spaces in Bear Down Gym and the new Student Success Building such as Think Tank tutoring, SALT Center support, advising, wellness services and career development."

Scheduled for completion in October 2021, the project brings together the UA's commitment to academic excellence, student support, health and wellness and the preparation students need to become leaders in the modern workplace.

"The primary drivers of the libraries' renovations were increasing support for collaborative, hands-on learning with strong technology skill development, all while maintaining traditional library spaces for individual quiet study and research with print resources," Sutton said.

In addition to collaborative learning spaces, the district will include tutoring services, health and well-being resources, and cutting-edge technology that will enable students to collaboratively design and fabricate physical and digital creations as part of the learning process.

The Student Success District is a joint initiative involving University Libraries, Student Success and Retention Innovation, Student Engagement and Career Development, and Campus Life programs in the Office of the Provost. The design-build team is made up of Sundt Construction, architectural firms Poster Frost Mirto and Miller Hull, as well as Ten Eyck Landscape Architects.