University gets a face-lift: new parking lot

The new parking lot, which is currently being built adjacent to the Trojan Arena and Trojan Center parking lots, has an expected completion date of late October or early November 2017, according to Herbert Reeves, dean of student services.

The new parking lot, which will be a commuter lot, will cost the university approximately $3.2 million, according to Bookout.

“This lot will allow us to shift things around for students and faculty and staff,” Reeves said. “Some of those lots that are currently split lots will be changed once the new lot is finished.”

The new lot, which will have a total of 548 spaces, will lead to a net gain of 300 parking spaces while the recreation center is being built and 500 spaces once the recreation center is completed.

“Additional, convenient parking will serve to reduce student frustrations and anxiety about coming to campus for class, attending extramural activities and parking tickets,” Bookout said.

The completion of the new parking lot will also lead to other projects, like the repaving and three-laning of McKinley Drive from the roundabout behind the Trojan Center to Charles Henderson High School.

Reeves said the road construction will lead to better access to the Trojan Arena.

The completion date for the new parking lot will determine when the groundbreaking for the new recreation center will begin.