New Phases of Construction Set

Cal State Fullerton is entering a new phase of construction with the long-awaited building of the Performing Arts Center this spring and the first of two multi-level parking structures this summer. Both projects will lead to a major new look for the west side of campus.

Construction for the 102,000- square-foot Performing Arts Center is set for late March or April. Once construction begins, West Campus Drive will be closed from the Titan Student Union to the Science Laboratory Center. Parking Lot L, east of the Visual Arts Complex, also will be closed.

Following on the heels of Commencement, construction will begin on a multilevel, 2,500-space parking structure in Parking Lot D. It is one of two planned for the west side of campus to help ease the current parking congestion.

Completion of the parking structure is expected by fall 2004; the Performing Arts Center is scheduled in summer 2005.

“Both of these exciting projects will provide long-term benefits to the university,” noted Willie Hagan, vice president for administration. “As with all major construction projects, short-term disruptions to our current environment will be necessary to realize these long-term benefits.”

In addition to the closure of West Campus Drive, closures of the parking lots and of the Performing Arts Lawn will mean the loss of 1,300 parking spaces.

To help mitigate the disruption of parking for all campus members, Parking and Trans-portation will offer stack parking in student lots A, B, E, G and College Park, and in faculty/ staff Parking Lot F and College Park, said Hagan. Parking at the Spectrum Club will continue with a shuttle to and from campus, and faculty and staff members will be able to park on the top level of the Marriott Hotel’s parking structure. Additional new spaces will be provided where possible, including on campus roadways.

“These mitigations will certainly mollify the parking situation, but clearly parking challenges will continue until the first structure is opened,” said Bill Barrett, associate vice president for administration. “We ask that everyone be patient, understanding and cooperative during this period.”

In addition, student semester permit sales will be limited to 19,000 permits; permits valid after 3 p.m. will be sold to students; and subsidies for bus and train tickets/passes will be available. Participants in the student carpool program will be provided reserved parking.

Additional information and maps regarding where members of the campus community can park are available at the Parking and Transportation website, www.parking.fullerton.edu. Updates will be provided and informational meetings are being planned throughout the spring semester.