Visualizing UWEC in the Year 2030

“The Hill” is planned to become a  pedestrian-scale riverwalk.
 
“The Hill” is planned to become a pedestrian-scale riverwalk.

By completing its master plan, UW-Eau Claire officials are giving us a look at the university after 20 years and millions in investment to “transform the campus into a 21st century learning environment while preserving the natural beauty and resources of its unique landscape.” The plan includes loads of building work, the most immediate of which include the new student center (due by May 2012), tearing down the old Davies for green space (right after), new education building (breaking ground then, too), and the Campus School moving to St. Bede’s (also spring 2012). But there’s far more. An immediate concern is campus housing, according to Mike Rindo, chair of the Master Plan Steering Committee. Right now hundreds live in hotels because of the overcrowded residence halls (and it has been that way for years) at 108% capacity. The plan shows a suite-style dormitory where the tennis and basketball courts are on upper campus. The parking lot at Governor’s Hall is planned for recreational green space. With some of the state’s financial aid, Garfield Avenue is planned to become completely vehicle free so students and community members can walk along the banks of the Chippewa River. In addition to more aesthetically appealing walkways and updating the bridge to Haas Fine Arts, Putnam Hall’s parking lot will be transformed into an outdoor classroom. Eventually, the Master Plan has proposed an entirely new science building and the demolition of Phillips to create more parking. Additionally, a parking lot will be established in place of Brewer/Zorn/Kjer once the new education building is in place. The university’s plan is very connected to Clear Vision Eau Claire, which looks at the city as a whole. A massive hopeful project has started dialogue between the city and university: a multi-purpose major events center/arts center/convention and conference center. With Zorn being torn down, UWEC needs a large event facility. And, of course, Eau Claire as a whole needs it. All in all, hundreds of people have successfully collaborated to create the “first comprehensive plan for moving forward,” said Rindo. (See more renderings like the one above at VolumeOne.org.)

More renderings below ...