Hard Hats and Happenings

Danger Construction Area Keep Out sign on fence

Current Projects / Underway

Security upgrades across the Lawrence Campus support the university’s goal to reduce physical key use and expand secure electronic access—creating a safer, more efficient environment for all.  Enhanced access control systems enable better management of facility entry and make it easy to update or revoke access as needed - strengthening campus safety while improving operational efficiency.

Ongoing modernization of elevators across several campus facilities - including Ellsworth, Hashinger, Lewis residence halls, as well as Bailey, Lindley, Malott, and Simons - will improve reliability, performance and overall user experience.  Upgrades include new hoist equipment, call and hall stations, along with enhanced voice and video cabling to strengthen communication capabilities and modernize safety features.

  • Supports the FY27 Strategic Model, Healthy & Vibrant Communities, Creating a Campus Community Where Each Jayhawk Thrives

Ongoing HVAC upgrades are underway in several buildings across campus.  These continuous improvements are enhancing heating, cooling, and ventilation systems to increase energy efficiency, improve indoor air quality, and create a more comfortable environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Roof improvements are underway across multiple campus facilities, with projects at various stages of completion.  Facilities include Battenfeld and Hambleton Scholarship Halls, as well as Joseph R. Pearson, Lindley, Moore and Robinson.

FPD manages a robust security camera system and is continually working with KUPD to expand and maintain coverage in strategic locations, promoting a safe and secure campus.

Thanks to a $2 million gift, the Panorama exhibit at the Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum is undergoing significant upgrades to improve environmental conditions and long-term preservation. An outdated HVAC system will be replaced with a new unit featuring humidity control, while a new glass viewing windows and LED lighting will enhance visibility and illumination.  The exhibit is expected to reopen to the public by May 2026.

On the Edwards Campus, the BEST Building project is addressing ADA slope compliance at the bus stop to improve accessibility for all users. At Regnier Hall, crews are constructing two new ADA ramps at the front and back entrances to strengthen accessible connections between buildings. These improvements are being coordinated with additional exterior enhancements to further support accessibility and overall site functionality.

  • Supports the FY27 Strategic Model, Healthy & Vibrant Communities, Creating a Campus Community Where Each Jayhawk Thrives

Phase II of the Gateway District broke ground in December 2025 and centers on a complete rebuild of the east side of the stadium, continuing the transformation of the north and west sides completed in the Fall of 2025.  The new east side is planned to be partially operational for Fall 2026, with full completion targeted for Fall 2027.

Future development within the district includes a 162-key full-service hotel topped with 16 condominiums, and 443 student housing beds. The project also adds 43,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and office space, expand parking from 361 to more than 1,000 spaces, and introduces a 20,000 square foot programmable outdoor event plaza designed to support year-round activity. This expansion further strengthens the Gateway District as a major economic engine, complementing the vibrancy of Massachusetts Street and supporting continued growth for the City of Lawrence.  

New building construction is underway to support the significant growth in Professional Development programs, adding new classrooms, administrative offices and housing.  Completion is expected in Summer 2026.

  • Supports the FY27 Strategic Model, Healthy & Vibrant Communities, Engagement for Community Impact in Kansas & the Nation

The building will remain closed until Fall 2026 to accommodate extensive renovations.  Planned improvements include upgrades to suites, restroom, and kitchenette; fire alarm and elevator system enhancements; a secure, card-access lobby; and a full roof replacement.

  • Supports the FY27 Strategic Model, Student Success, Strengthen the Student Experience to Optimize Success

Extensive renovation underway to modernize the 80-year-old building for students, faculty, and researchers in Geology, Geography, and related fields. Work includes foundation and storm sewer repairs, HVAC replacement, elevator and fire safety upgrades, and refreshed interiors with new flooring, lighting, ceilings, and a mothers’ room. Exterior masonry will also be cleaned and sealed. The building is set to reopen for classes in Fall 2027.

Note: This project will temporarily close the sidewalk in front of Ritchie and Lindley Halls through June 2026 to allow work on the north side of Lindley’s foundation. Pedestrian traffic will be rerouted to the north side of Crescent Road. Please use the crosswalks west of the Chi Omega Fountain and at the intersection of Crescent Road and Naismith Drive (see attached map). The exterior stairs between Lindley and Ritchie will also be closed. While no roads will be closed, drivers should expect increased pedestrian activity at the crosswalks and heavy truck traffic in the area.
 

As a continuation of the multi-phase modernization of Strong Hall, the project advances building-wide HVAC improvements already underway.  The East Wing was completed in Summer 2025, with the Central Wing scheduled for completion in Summer 2026 and the West Wing targeted for Summer 2027.  Additional supporting work will occur between phases to maintain progress.

Planned for Summer 2026, this phase will install new piping and ductwork throughout the building to support the future replacement of outdated steam radiators and window AC units.  The upgrades lay the groundwork for a modern heating and cooling system utilizing chilled and hot water, along with improved ventilation and digital controls to enhance comfort, performance, and energy efficiency throughout the facility.

Note: This project is slated for Summer 2026 and will impact most building occupants in some capacity. Facilities Planning & Development (FPD) is actively working with each department—both collectively and individually—to assess their specific needs and understand how the project will affect them.
 

A master plan is being developed for Watson Library to build momentum around a shared vision that guides the creation of new and innovative spaces supporting university goals. The plan will adapt existing areas and shape future transformations to enhance accessibility, belonging, wellness, research, and academic success while addressing evolving curricular and co-curricular needs.

Planned Projects / Coming Soon / Under Development

Planned for Summer '26, classrooms in Fraser, Malott, Summerfield, and Wescoe Halls will be upgraded to support today’s collaborative learning styles.  As part of the project, 226 new chairs will be installed in Fraser and Summerfield.

  • Supports the FY27 Strategic Model, Student Success, Strengthen the Student Experience to Optimize Success

The new Entrepreneurship Hub—a collaboration between the University of Kansas and the School of Business—will catalyze innovation and interdisciplinary engagement. Open to students from all majors, it features cutting-edge spaces that reflect KU’s commitment to experiential learning. Purposefully designed, the building guides students through their entrepreneurial journey, with each level representing a progression from exploration to execution.

The School of Architecture & Design is developing a new light-filled studio building adjacent to Marvin Hall to support hands-on learning. Beyond providing additional studio and lab space, this building is designed as a lasting campus landmark that honors KU’s history while fostering creativity and innovation.

Recently Completed

Classroom renovations across campus enhanced learning environments to meet today's collaborative standards.  Projects completed in Summer 2025 included Haworth, Malott, Moore, Summerfield and Wescoe.  In addition, Winter Break 2025 upgrades in Fraser and additional Wescoe classrooms refreshed spaces with flexible layouts and modern finishes.  The improvements included installation of 445 new chairs, creating more comfortable and adaptable classrooms for students and faculty.

  • Supports the FY27 Strategic Model, Student Success, Strengthen the Student Experience to Optimize Success

The addition of a Shake Smart at the Main Entry featured convenient, on-the-go nutrition options focused on healthy shakes, acai bowls and more.

  • Supports the FY27 Strategic Model, Healthy & Vibrant Communities, Creating a Campus Community Where Each Jayhawk Thrives

The renovation included a new single-use restroom, along with lactation and reflection rooms, to support a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

  • Supports the FY27 Strategic Model, Healthy & Vibrant Communities, Creating a Campus Community Where Each Jayhawk Thrives

The masonry restoration included tuckpointing, cleaning to remove dirt and contaminants, sealing to protect the masonry from environmental damage, along with related roof work.

A new lactation room was created to provide a comfortable, private space for nursing parents. This addition supported workplace inclusivity and helped meet the needs of employees and students.

  • Supports the FY27 Strategic Model, Healthy & Vibrant Communities, Creating a Campus Community Where Each Jayhawk Thrives

The project delivered a fully ADA-compliant accessible route connecting Sunnyside to the Anschutz elevator tower. The pathway included significant pedestrian improvements from Haworth to Anschutz and addressed steep terrain through careful grading. Upgrades included widened sidewalks, improved lighting for safety and visibility, and durable materials to ensure long-term accessibility and comfort for all users. Smart Map and Hawk Route

  • Supports the FY27 Strategic Model, Healthy & Vibrant Communities, Creating a Campus Community Where Each Jayhawk Thrives
     

Phase I of the Gateway District was complete, featuring a reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, a new 55,000 sq ft Conference Center, and renovations to the Anderson Family Football Complex. This project created a vibrant north gateway, enhanced game day experiences and welcomed members of the campus community and visitors.

The recent expansion of the Geological Core Library at the Kansas Geological Survey, added nearly 7,000 square feet of new space to support its growing collection and research mission. The addition included a dedicated core processing lab, scanning room, expanded storage area with loading dock access, new office space, and remodeled restrooms. These enhancements significantly improved research, and processing capabilities. The library houses more than 68,000 boxes of core and rock samples from over 5,500 drill holes, primarily in Kansas.

  • Supports the FY27 Strategic Model, Healthy & Vibrant Communities, Engagement for Community Impact in Kansas & the Nation
     

A space was remodeled into a recording studio lab to support the Music Production and Technology program. Designed to offer a professional-quality recording experience, the studio addressed key acoustical issues by minimizing noise and using sound-absorbing finishes to create an acoustically neutral environment. The lab provided students with a high-quality, hands-on space for learning audio recording, mixing, and production techniques.

  • Supports the FY27 Strategic Model, Student Success, Strengthen the Student Experience to Optimize Success

Beginning in Summer '24, restoration work was completed at Potter Lake to improve its ecological health and preserve its role as a campus landmark. Crews dredged sediment, rebuilt sections of the edge wall, and upgraded the spillway and sediment basin. Students subsequently helped maintain the area as a valuable space for learning, research, and recreation.

Video of the Potter Lake Restoration Project  https://fpd.ku.edu/

The Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute underwent an office renovation to create a modern, more functional workspace.  The upgrades were designed to enhance staff collaboration and better support the institute’s mission of serving fire and rescue professionals across Kansas.

  • Supports the FY27 Strategic Model, Healthy & Vibrant Communities, Engagement for Community Impact in Kansas & the Nation

The Office of Community Impact (OCI) opened a dedicated space within Watson Library.  Developed in partnership with the Libraries, the new location provides students, faculty and staff with enhanced opportunities to showcase their work while fostering collaboration and community-driven innovation.  OCI continues to serve as a bridge between KU and the wider community, advancing research, teaching, and service with real-world impact.

  • Supports the FY27 Strategic Model, Healthy & Vibrant Communities, Engagement for Community Impact in Kansas & the Nation
     

The building has recently reopened following renovations that included new lighting, carpet, and paint; elevator repairs; full HVAC replacement; and exterior wall waterproofing.  These improvements have enhanced comfort, reliability, and the overall condition of the facility.