ND continues expansion tradition
Kate Steer
Associate News Editor
In the tradition of Notre DameÕs recent growth, students returned to campus this fall to various construction projects. Some are ongoing projects that were begun last spring; some are freshly started sites.
Ò[Notre Dame] is fortunate enough to be in a position to continue to expand academic facilities, which are much needed,Ó said Dennis Brown, associate director of Public Relations and Information.
Preliminary construction has begun on the Marie P. DeBartolo Center for the Performing Arts at the south end of the DeBartolo quad. Scheduled to move into the construction phase in the spring, the Center is the final component of the DeBartolo project and will complete the DeBartolo quad.
ÒIt was first announced in 1989, when Edward J. DeBartolo made a $33 million gift to the University,Ó said Brown. The building has faced several delays since its proposal more than 10 years ago, including the death of its benefactor.
The 125,000 square foot project has a $50 million budget and will house the Department of Film, Television and Theatre. In addition, the building includes a 900-seat concert hall, a 350-seat main stage, a 200-seat movie theater, a 100-seat organ and chorale hall and a 100-seat studio theater.
ÒThis is a facility that will enhance the quality of cultural life both on campus and in the community to a significant degree,Ó Brown said.
The DeBartolo Center is slated for completion in the summer of 2003.
On the site of the former campus bookstore, construction is underway on the Coleman/Morse Center. This facility is the future location of Campus Ministry and Academic Services offices.
The combined gifts of the late Thomas Coleman and Jim Morse made the project possible. The project was proposed several years ago and was begun last spring following the opening of the new Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore. The preliminary budget is $14 million.
A new theology and philosophy building between OÕShaugnessy and Decio should be completed in the summer of 2001. The building will relocate the departmental and faculty offices from both OÕShaugnessy and Decio.
ÒThose two departments will move completely into that building to free some much needed space for Arts and Letters faculty,Ó said Brown.
The 67,000 square foot building is the result of a gift from an anonymous benefactor.
The building will be connected to Decio via an enclosed two-story walkway.
Finally, the renovation of the Hayes-Healy Center and Hurley Hall is well underway. The buildings initially housed the Mendoza College of Business, but served as the temporary location for most administrative offices while Main Building was being renovated.
Upon completion in the spring of 2001, the buildings will house the Departments of Mathematics and International Studies.
The Coleman/Morse Center and the theology and philosophy building are results of the Generations Campaign. The campaignÕs goal of $767 million is well past $900 million and will continue until December 31. With such a successful fundraising campaign, more construction projects are possible.
All News Stories for Thursday, August 24, 2000
