Students, it feels like the construction on campus is never ending. However, the current projects are aimed at creating more student spaces. The Racquet Press spoke with Scott Schumacher, planning and construction director on campus, and learned about all the current projects happening here at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
The most significant development is a new parking ramp which was announced at the beginning of 2024, and was part of the 2018 campus master plan. This ramp, located on the southern part of campus in front of the Center for the Arts and Morris Hall will include 500 parking spots.
The other significant development on campus includes the addition to the UWL Police Department. This project includes more law enforcement offices, a new emergency operations center and more storage in the basement.
Both the parking ramp and the police department are projected to be completed by April 2026.
Graff Main Hall is also undergoing renovations. These renovations are to the building’s mechanical system. The building will have upgrades heating and cooling systems and have been ongoing the entirety of the school year. It is projected to be finished by the beginning of the 2025 fall semester.
“The improvements will help modernize one of the university’s most used buildings,” says Schumacher.
Changes that are not as obvious for students yet still impactful for the functionality of the university are also in the works for completion.
Starting fall of 2025, Wing Technology Center will be clearing out the room previously used as the campus TV station, turning it into a research and capstone space for Computer Science students.
Additional construction projects starting in June will focus on window repairs in both Graff and Mitchell halls. The brick work on these buildings will also receive updates. These changes are to help keep in heat, saving money on energy.
Finally, the smokestack on campus, previously used to burn coal but now used for natural gas will also see updated brick work and repairs to the concrete lining. These updates will ensure functionality.
