By Katy TerBerg
WMU is known for its innovate practices in attracting both students and non-students to its campus. Soon, WMU will have an addition to its already impressive offerings with a new pedestrian mall on main campus near the new Sangren Hall.
Artist's rendition of the walkway with the new Sangren Hall pictured in the background.
The pedestrian mall will connect with or expand the Bronco Mall to the west of the Flagpoles area. The new construction proposes new vehicle access routes, new and relocated utilities, systems to handle stormwater, and walkways and landscaping around the building’s perimeter.
Construction of the pedestrian mall project will begin in late August 26, 2012, with construction broken into six phases, depending on weather conditions.
- Phase 1: August 26- March 1
- Phase 2: March 2- March 11
- Phase 3: March 12- April 29
- Phase 4: April 30- May 13
- Phase 5: May 14- August 24
- Phase 6: September 4- May 1
Several of the usual paths of transit will be affected by the ongoing changes in construction, visitors to campus may want to seek alternate routes. At the project’s end, more vehicle parking will be available around the limits of campus, which has long been the goal of campus planners. Moving traffic away from the center of campus and encouraging foot traffic is a way to plan for a more sustainable, more active campus community.
The new pedestrian mall is predicted to be a draw for faculty, staff, students and will encourage less vehicle use, heighten safety standards of campus traffic, and create a more attractive student-centered atmosphere.
Links:
Watch an ongoing live video stream of the construction.
Follow updates of the mall design.
