Construction taking place across campus

This semester at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, much like last semester, there's a lot of construction around campus. Projects include the demolition of Ferguson Hall, the construction of Jorgensen Hall this summer and the continuous work on parking garages and dining halls.

Like Ferguson, Brace Hall and Behlen Labratory have also been demolished.

"In 2006 we (UNL), received funding to replace those buildings," said Ted Weidner, assistant vice chancellor of Facilities, Management and Planning. "Part of the deal to construct a new building was that Ferguson had to come down, so it came down."

For students taking physics, classes that would've been held in these buildings have all been concentrated into Jorgensen.

"Jorgenson is the new physics building, and essentially no other buildings are being used for physics," Weidner said. "One of the physics programs that is being conducted at the building is the Diocese Laser, the most powerful laser in the world. An example of the physical response shows the university is really going places."

The campus master fiscal plan in 2005 didn't include a building to replace Ferguson, Weidner said. In its place there will be open space and a memorial for Ferguson Hall and University Hall, which was the original university building constructed in 1869. It stood until 1948 when Ferguson Hall took its place.

Other construction projects on campus include demolition on what will be Innovation Campus. The university recently obtained the former state fair grounds, and is getting rid of some standing buildings on the property.

"We are demolishing some buildings because they aren't appropriate for what we are doing," Weidner said. "When people go to the 2011 volleyball games at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, there will be a noticeable difference in the surroundings."

Among the university's recently finished projects is the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, which was completed last spring and is in full use this semester. Renovations to the Barkley Memorial Center were also completed this summer. The center houses academic programs, clinical services and research in special education and communication disorders. Renovated Keim Hall, home to the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture on East Campus, plays host to NET Television on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the hall's courtyard.

For some students, the construction is an annoyance. But for others, the changes represent a growing university, one that is moving into the future with better-equipped buildings for students and their classes.

"I think it's a good thing we are expanding our campus's technologies and resources," said Jason Beach, a sophomore forensic science major at UNL, who passes by the construction at the Jorgensen building every day.

"I don't really view it as an inconvenience, but more of something that needs to be done with the school," Beach said.

For other UNL students, the sentiments are the same.

"I took astronomy in the Ferguson building last year, and it was noticeably old," said Mike Dunn, a sophomore English major. "I think it's a good thing we're updating. The construction was much worse last year and I barely notice it this year."

For incoming students, the construction is a welcome site compared with older dorms.

"The construction done to Abel made it more homey," said Nicole Bormann, a freshman journalism major. "I'm excited the university is expanding."

westonpoor@Dailynebraskan.com