NATCHITOCHES – Concrete bases for Robert Alost Hall are being poured and the 18-month project is running on schedule, according to Jennifer Kelly, Northwestern State University’s executive director of University Affairs.
“Steel will start going up mid- to late February,” Kelly said. “It’s progressing, even considering several days of rain, they’ve been able to move forward.”
The contract for the David and Sherry Morgan Sports Performance Center has been sent to the contractor and the timeline for its construction will be developed in the coming weeks when approved by the state Office of Facility Planning and Control. After that preliminary surface work, such as the marking of utilities and preparation for construction, will begin.
The roof and hood replacement for Fournet Hall is in the final stages of design by the architect and engineers. Bids should be released in the next six weeks.
Design work on the rigging system – the system of ropes and pulleys that enable a stage crew to hoist scenery, lights and stage effects — in A.A Fredericks Auditorium are underway in preparation for a future upgrade. An architect from Shreveport has been selected and will work with faculty and administrators in Department of Theatre and Dance and facilities personnel on the project. The upgrade should begin in the next six weeks, working around stage productions that are scheduled for the spring.
Elevator updates are ongoing in Kyser Hall and Watson Library. An elevator project at the Shreveport campus is complete and awaiting final inspection.
The replacement of stadium lights in Turpin Stadium will be completed by late spring, Kelly said. Lighting upgrades in Prather Coliseum were completed last fall.
“With all the rain we are addressing the problem of potholes on campus,” Kelly said. “The Student Government Association is working with us on a trash can project. They will partner with the Department of Fine and Graphic Art to paint some of the trash cans that will be placed in strategic locations around campus where we frequently find litter.”
Administrators at NSU have submitted five-year capital outlay plans and funding proposals for fiscal year 2025 to the University of Louisiana System. Capital outlay plans outline proposed construction projects that are submitted annually to the Louisiana Legislature for state funding consideration. The Legislative session will convene March 11 in Baton Rouge.
