On March 11, the University of Utah’s Board of Trustees approved a campus physical development plan that will redesign the U around six districts, representing Academics & Research, Health, Culture, Research, Athletics, and ‘college town magic.’
The plan also creates a Campus Master Planning Committee.
The U is experiencing growth, with year-over-year increases in freshman class sizes and a goal to reach 40,000 students, up from just over 35,000.
This influx of students has led to an increasing limitation on the university’s physical space.
While the U will take control of Fort Douglas and expand into the foothills, it primarily aims to utilize existing space.
Notably, the plan includes the resettlement of the 50-year-old Huntsman Arena, which hosts the U’s basketball, gymnastics and volleyball teams.
Andrew King, Director of Campus Planning, mentioned that relocating the arena would be a “hard pill to swallow,” but ultimately deemed it a crucial step towards improving campus livability.
President Taylor Randall commented on the significant demographic shifts within the student body, stating that as the U becomes a more popular destination school, it places strain on campus housing.
Out-of-state students also expect a more robust campus life experience.
The campus redesign process takes these factors into account when determining necessary developments.
Coordination with other agencies is crucial, King emphasized, noting that the U is working with UDOT, UTA, and the Metropolitan Planning Committee to ensure that the campus expansion is compatible with Utah’s current transit structure.
King referred to
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