Two buildings progress, one lags, at UWO

OSHKOSH - While two building projects are underway at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, crews have yet to break ground on a third that officials originally expected to complete this month.

Construction of the Intramural Recreation Field Complex, or Rec Plex, a 4.35-acre facility for sports, will now begin in 2017. It will be located at the former River Commons site, south of Gruenhagen Conference Center.

The $6.4-million complex includes a warm-up field on Osceola Street next to the parking ramp, a "super" field for soccer, rugby, lacrosse, flag football and softball at the corner of Osceola Street and Pearl Avenue as well as a building for bathrooms and storage.

RELATED: Commission gives UWO RecPlex OK

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A dome will cover the super field from November through April that will allow for its use in winter. Plans also include a state-of-the-art drainage system, recyclable turf infill and energy-efficient lighting.

It will be the first of its kind on a UW campus, university officials previously said.

Money left over from the Student Recreation and Wellness Center construction in 2007 and student segregated fees, the latter of which totals $450,000 as of November, will fund the project, said Nathan Scott, director of student recreation at the university.

Students approved a $5 increase in segregated fees to fund the project in 2011.

Segregated fees are additional charges students are required to pay for services, activities, programs and facilities. UWO students in 2016-17 pay $550.50 per semester, totaling $1,101 for the year

It's the second time the project has been pushed back. The Rec Plex was originally slated for completion in 2013, but was delayed so architects could redesign it for better safety, more occupancy, to save parking, move some features to different areas and to accommodate the city's existing water infrastructure in that area, university officials said last year.

Scott said the holdup this time is simply the approval process to break ground. The State Building Commission approved it in December, and the Oshkosh Common Council approved it Oct. 11.

Despite the lengthy wait, Scott said he is sure people will see the dome erected a year from now.

"We're confident with the fact that the project is definitely going to happen," he said.

RELATED:UWO renovations continue, new project approved

Reeve Union

The university's renovation and expansion of Reeve Memorial Union, 748 Algoma Blvd., entered a new phase Friday. The right lane of Algoma Boulevard will be closed in front of the building until construction is completed, said Randy Hedge, director of Reeve Union. A lane remains accessible to bicyclists.

The right lane is closed so construction workers can excavate and begin erecting the new structure in December, he said.

The "living room on campus" was originally built in 1959. It was renovated in 2000, reopening its doors in 2001.

Students voted in 2012 to again raise their segregated fees by $5 to pay for the $8.7 million construction, Hedge said. It uses no taxpayer dollars, either.

It will expand the Student Leadership and Involvement Center to double its size to accommodate an increase in student organizations, as well as add a second floor to that part of the building. The front door to Reeve will be ADA-compliant, all of the windows will be replaced and all of the systems in the entire building — electrical, air conditioning, plumbing — will be redone.

"It will be a much more energy-efficient building when we're done," Hedge said, noting officials expect the building to be certified LEED Gold.

The entire project is on track for completion in August.

Fletcher Hall

Behind Reeve Union sits Fletcher Hall, 712 Elmwood Ave., which is also under construction without the use of taxpayer dollars.

The $23.5 million project will add 19 bedrooms to the four-story residence hall, allowing for 501 students to live there. Money generated from the extra beds will help offset the cost of construction, university officials previously said.

Fletcher Hall was originally built in 1964.

There will be six bathrooms and a full kitchen on every floor— a huge feature for students, said Tom Fojtik, director of Residence Life. On top of that, larger rooms will add three-person dorm options, which are already selling out.

"People are very excited," Fojtik said. "I can't wait until the building is far enough along so people can get a sense of what it looks like; it's still a work in progress."

Fletcher Hall is also on track for completion in August, Fojtik, said.

The projects follow previous growth and work to redevelop properties on the campus.

Sage Hall, 835 High Ave., was built in 2011 and Horizon Village, 700 Elmwood Ave., followed in 2012. Renovations to Clow Social Science Center, 804 Algoma Blvd., wrapped in January.

Noell Dickmann: 920-426-6658 or ndickmann@thenorthwestern.com. Follow @ONW_Noell on Twitter.