By CADE KENNEDY, Student Reporter

New park benches in the university commons area, better known as the Mall, are shown in this March photo. –Photo by Jara Reeder

After stopping in winter and early spring, project to update Mall has picked up again

University workers continue to update the commons area, and students are starting to see some of the results.


Workers have installed park benches outside the Student Center. The benches give students an opportunity to sit outside while taking a break.


“The park benches were donated by the banks in Alva and are not anchored, which allows them to be moved around,” said Dr. David Pecha, the university’s vice president of administration.


Pecha said the benches have been well received by students and staff.


Pecha said it is a little too early to discuss what new things students will see on campus, as budgetary work is ongoing. However, he said the roofs of campus buildings will be worked on.


The construction project in the commons area, also known as the Mall, started in the summer of 2020, when new concrete stairs were built by the Student Center. New windows and doors on the west entrance of the Student Center were installed.


New sidewalks are being built by Ryerson Hall as well.