Students, faculty, and staff who left the campus after the Spring 2024 Commencement ceremonies will notice a dramatic change when they return to UNC Greensboro in the fall. Among the most notable changes are the construction areas at the center of campus, particularly around Jackson Library, Moran Commons, and Stirling Street.
The chilled water loop is close to completion, as managed by UNCG Facilities Design and Construction (FDC). This project connects academic buildings, common areas, residence halls, and administrative offices at the center of campus to improve air conditioning. The process has taken many months, and some streets and sidewalks will be closed or restricted as the work winds down.
A staging area has been created on the Kaplan Commons lawn outside the library. This same area will likely be used again when UNCG begins its library renovation project.
Where we are
Construction was completed in the Mossman parking lot and along Stirling Street during the summer. Work is still underway between the Bryan School Building and Walker Parking Deck. Traffic impacts may be seen on Forest Street and trucks continue to come through while crews make final improvements to the Mossman building’s roof.
Stirling Street has reopened, but buses will continue to be rerouted to a temporary bus stop near the Walker traffic circle outside the library. Signage will indicate where buses and shuttles will pick up and drop off customers.
The Walker Parking Deck is still accessible, but the entrance and exit on Theta Street will remain closed for the time being.
The chilled water loop will be completed at Shaw Residence Hall, where workers will connect the south plant along the railroad tracks on Oakland Avenue and Forest Street with the plant on top of McIver Parking Deck.
As always, UNCG asks Spartans and visitors to be patient, plan accordingly, and remain respectful to the work crews sharing the campus in the coming months.
The FDC Campus Maps & GIS webpage has updated campus maps and parking maps. The webpage also has an interactive map with information about ADA access, lighting, dining, and other resources.
What happens next
FDC anticipates the chilled water construction in this area to be completed in Spring 2025. Older, building-dedicated chilled water systems are being removed as the buildings are tied into the loop, creating greater energy efficiency and savings.
Work will block the road at the north edge of the Walker traffic circle along the sidewalk to Shaw. The bus stop will be relocated during construction, and a single lane will be maintained during the remaining chilled water construction so that commuters and delivery truck drivers can reach the dining hall.
The Jackson Library renovation project nears the end of its Construction Documents phase. This is the first large-scale renovation of the library since the addition of the towers in 1973. It aims to meet UNCG’s growth, meeting students’ needs for a dynamic, technology-rich learning environment and intellectual community hub.
Other construction
Renovations continue at the Jefferson Suites as crews repair water damage to the windows and facade. It is scheduled to be finished in November. Soon the bidding process will begin for upgrades to Taylor Theatre’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and sprinkler systems.
Also anticipating construction bidding this year is the new Jeanne Tannenbaum Center for Creative Practice, a multi-purpose cultural art space on West Gate City Boulevard. This space will encourage partnerships between UNCG and the Greensboro community by providing a flexible performance space, gallery, instructional and studio rooms, office and administrative space, a digital lab with low latency, and retail accommodations.
All UNCG students, faculty, and staff may follow FDC’s Construction Alerts and updates on Principal Projects for more information and evolving updates. UNCG thanks everyone for their participation as these critical projects move forward, in hopes of improving the learning experience for generations of students to come.
Story by Janet Imrick, University Communications
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications
