Campus construction update: office moves, current projects progress and the University Home renovations
Progress on large campus construction projects, such as the Health Professions Center and the Wright Administration Building, are evident when entering campus. However, several other projects are making strides and will continue over the summer.
Health Professions Center and Wright Administration Building
Two of the largest ongoing projects remain the Health Professions Center and Wright Administration Building. Construction activity is expected to increase throughout the summer as contractors gain greater access to spaces while classes are out of session. John Reis, Construction Project Manager, says several offices in the Wright Administration Building will be moving as part of the ongoing work.
More IT offices will also temporarily move from Wright Administration during construction to the lower level of the Orr Center over the summer.
University Web and Digital Content is moving to open offices in the Mathematical Sciences Department, located on the third floor of the Science Center. Employees’ phone numbers will remain the same during the temporary move.
Human Resources will move to the former University Creative and Print Services building at some point over the summer. Currently, the Creative and Print Services building is undergoing needed renovation work to house the temporary offices.
In addition, the Institutional Equity offices are expected to move into the former Creative and Print Services Center once preparations are complete.
Those on campus this summer should also be aware that the south elevator in the Health Professions Center—located near the FoodHive—will be closed throughout the summer for upgrades.
During the recent USI Board of Trustees meeting on Friday, May 8, an animated architectural fly-through rendering was shown to showcase what the completed Wright Administration and Health Professions renovations will look like. The rendering includes exterior views, room layouts and overhead perspectives of both buildings.
Starbucks
Starbucks will be closed over the summer to undergo renovations. The project involves more than just cosmetic updates—the service counter will be relocated within the space to allow for the addition of some needed equipment. Reis says the work is expected to be completed by the beginning of the 2026 Fall Semester.
Nature’s Classroom: Bridging Education and Recreation at the University of Southern Indiana project
Campus improvement projects are extending outdoors as well. A construction contract has been awarded for the Nature’s Classroom: Bridging Education and Recreation at the University of Southern Indiana project and according to Reis, planning is now underway with work expected to begin during the summer break. The project, funded by a three-year grant from the National Environmental Education Foundation with support from Toyota Motor North America, will expand outdoor learning opportunities at USI.
Renovation work has also begun at the University Home. Reis describes the project as primarily cosmetic, including new flooring, paint, updated landscaping and the addition of a rear deck. An ADA-accessible bathroom is also being added on the lower level of the home. A new, private access road connecting the home to campus near the Griffin Center is under construction now—the road will not be open for public access, Reis says, and will include a gated entrance.
Other projects
- ED 1101, a large classroom space located in the Education Center, will continue undergoing renovation work over the summer.
- The Center for Applied Business Technologies on the first floor of the Business and Engineering Center is making expected progress and construction continues. The estimated open date for the facility is fall 2026.
- A Lilly Grant awarded to the University will fund renovations to the New Harmony Beale House.
- A current project in design is the replacement boilers in the Physical Plant.
South side University Parkway ramps
Lloyd Expressway road construction crews and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) are preparing for upcoming work on the south side University Parkway ramps (eastbound traffic). The University is waiting for official details from INDOT, but the closures are expected to begin after Memorial Day and last approximately 30 days, depending on weather conditions. Watch USI Today for information when it is released.
Reis emphasized that additional maps, signage and wayfinding information will be shared later this summer to help employees, students and visitors navigate campus during construction. Additional information about construction on campus will be shared as work moves forward.
“We thank everyone on campus for their patience during these construction projects,” says Reis.