NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Leah Jackson (jacksonl@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

1/10/2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-Several projects are underway at Northwestern State University to address parking concerns and campus safety, according to Physical Plant Director Chris Sampité.

To provide parking for the near-complete Wellness, Recreation and Activity Center, a new 75-space parking lot is under construction across from the WRAC. The new lot will ease parking needs for the WRAC, the Creative and Performing Arts complex and buildings on the east side of campus. In conjunction, a project to repair and overlay Central Avenue and spaces around Roy Hall, the Baseball Complex, the Tennis Complex, Varnado Hall, Boozman Hall and Russell Hall is underway.

Over the last two years, nearly 350 student parking spaces have been added to campus, including a 95-space parking lot on the west side of campus. The parking lot at Prather Coliseum was striped for campus events. A redesign of the Sabine Hall parking lot increased the number of spaces and shifted traffic flow. Additional lighting is planned.

With the completion of a new horse barn, the relocation of the Equine Science program to the farm is complete. The relocation allowed Physical Plant staff to remove the old horse barns and 12 storage buildings that were not needed or in poor condition, Sampité said.

Handrails have been installed at the Creative and Performing Arts complex, Bienvenu Hall, Kyser Hall and the Athletic Fieldhouse.

The Baseball Complex is getting a new infield with new turf to replace existing surface that was completely worn out and subject to substandard conditions causing concerns for an allowable playing surface.

East Caspari's exterior windows and trim were repainted to stop the deterioration of wood surfaces and improve the appearance of the facility located in the heart of the campus.

To ensure power and avoid outages, the Physical Plant completed an upgrade in power facilities and sent a request to the state for a major utilities renovation project.

Other major projects underway include window and door repair at the Shreveport campus, a new chill water line at the WRAC and a water line replacement project from Boozman to the Power Plant. New carpet was installed at the NSU Elementary Lab School and a new roof will be added this year. The Physical Plant is overseeing energy management upgrades, expansion of the computer center in Roy Hall and construction of a concession and rest room facility at the Soccer Complex. Residence halls are getting new smoke detectors and plans are underway for the Organizational Row development along South Jefferson.

Main Menu