I was hoping maybe locals could occasionally post pic updates or even just verbal updates on campus construction projects for us curious out-of-town alumni? For instance the big one now is the new science building, but whenever I have looked on the web for a pic they are just nowhere to be found.
Does anyone have a pic to share or can just tell us at what stage the science building currently stands? Pretty pleeaase??
Thanks!
I don't have a picture but most of the exterior is done. It's mostly brick with large windows and is an impressive building.
The University's snap chat did a tour of the building which showed classrooms and office space while the labs were still pretty unfinished. If you want to keep up to date on University happenings the Snap Chat App is actually turning into a great tool for that. They may highlight different buildings or organizations and include interviews. It's not too hard to use and is a great way to feel in touch with campus.
Wow, that's great to know. Thanks for the advice about Snap Chat, I'll def try it. I am always wondering about the progress of construction projects and frustrated because I can't find anything using Google. LOL
The new Science Building will be open this fall with professors moving in this June. Neil's will be renovated which is pretty exciting. The University just posted a small video from the Father-Son glass blowing business that they commissioned to contribute art work. It's a nice story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaDCArxKNu8&app=desktop
No progress pictures but an interesting project overview by the designer:
http://www.hastingschivetta.com/projects/stem-village-phase-i/
Note: The actual structure is FAR more impressive than the artist's rendering.
Quote from: crusader05 on June 02, 2017, 05:28:09 PM
The new Science Building will be open this fall with professors moving in this June. Neil's will be renovated which is pretty exciting. The University just posted a small video from the Father-Son glass blowing business that they commissioned to contribute art work. It's a nice story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaDCArxKNu8&app=desktop
What a great story! Thanks for sharing. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Apparently, the University is trying to sell the vacant (former 3D) lot at the NE corner of Lincolnway and Roosevelt. There is a sign adjacent to the south entrance that says "6.1 acres available." The advertiser is JLL with a Chicago (312) phone number. I found their website, but couldn't find the listing. It's gotta have a 7-figure price tag. Just curious if anyone knows anything.
https://hirise.com/property/search;query=Valparaiso,%20IN%2046383,%20United%20States;searchType=1;latitude=41.4613036;longitude=-86.9624086;page=2;perPage=6;zoomLevel=11;isStateOrCountry=false
I've heard rumors of them looking to sell it to a high end grocer but that's about it. As the improvements continue down Lincolnway I'd imagine that spot will become more and more desirable and will hopefully bring in some money for the University.
I've heard nothing but great things about the New Science Building as well. It's way less exciting but another parking garage on campus could do wonders for freeing up parking.
Quote from: crusader05 on October 05, 2017, 10:23:33 AMI've heard nothing but great things about the New Science Building as well. It's way less exciting but another parking garage on campus could do wonders for freeing up parking.
If I were a long range planner (I'm not), I would think that for any part of the University to expand (student enrollment wise) parking would be needed. If a portion of the future of Valpo is the graduate studies and business school, I'd think building a parking garage on the east end of campus would become a priority. Put the garage just east of Sturdy Rd near Martin Drive, with a underground walkway to the outer drive of campus. For events such as basketball and football games, have paid parking near the game, but provide a bus from this free parking garage.
Quote from: covufan on October 05, 2017, 11:28:19 AM
Quote from: crusader05 on October 05, 2017, 10:23:33 AMI've heard nothing but great things about the New Science Building as well. It's way less exciting but another parking garage on campus could do wonders for freeing up parking.
If I were a long range planner (I'm not), I would think that for any part of the University to expand (student enrollment wise) parking would be needed. If a portion of the future of Valpo is the graduate studies and business school, I'd think building a parking garage on the east end of campus would become a priority. Put the garage just east of Sturdy Rd near Martin Drive, with a underground walkway to the outer drive of campus. For events such as basketball and football games, have paid parking near the game, but provide a bus from this free parking garage.
For those not on campus, I thought I'd pass along that demolition of the old Porter Hospital parking garage will begin on Monday.
I hadn't heard that. Glad to see that eyesore go.
As far as parking, the East side of Campus really isn't hurting for parking, there is already one parking garage there, plus plenty near Gellerson and the Science Center. It's the west end of campus that struggles with really only the large parking lot next to Guild Memorial and now the new Sorority Housing. The parking garage was supposed to alleviate that so hopefully once it's torn down they can at least work to pave and utilize that whole area as parking. They've already paid to light a walkway from there to the ARC so it would be nice to have that for sports parking as well.
But what about the parking nearby the ARC? The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that this is the showstopper for MBB games.
Quote from: VULB#62 on October 11, 2017, 08:53:16 PM
But what about the parking nearby the ARC? The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that this is the showstopper for MBB games.
The area where the garage is will be paved and together with the already paved area next to it will provide plenty of parking for athletics. That might be a 150 yard walk to the ARC. Anybody been to an athletic venue with parking much closer? Come on folks. 150 yards??
From Google Maps:
>> Existing lot has approximately 144 spaces that I counted. The parking structure foot print is almost identical in size to the lot. Take it down and pave it over and you have a net gain of somewhere between 130 and 150 spaces.
>> Distance from these lots to the NW entrance to the ARC is not 150 yards, it is just a little under a 1/4 mile walk.
I'm just not convinced that this is (1) plenty of (2) convenient parking that makes attending a MBB game that much more attractive to first time or casual fans, and that it would convince them to attend games more often, especially when the weather turns cold and snowy.
Quote from: VULB#62 on October 12, 2017, 09:31:59 AM
From Google Maps:
>> Existing lot has approximately 144 spaces that I counted. The parking structure foot print is almost identical in size to the lot. Take it down and pave it over and you have a net gain of somewhere between 130 and 150 spaces.
>> Distance from these lots to the NW entrance to the ARC is not 150 yards, it is just a little under a 1/4 mile walk.
I'm just not convinced that this is (1) plenty of (2) convenient parking that makes attending a MBB game that much more attractive to first time or casual fans, and that it would convince them to attend games more often, especially when the weather turns cold and snowy.
I stand corrected. Just measured it. 300 yards, not 150. That is a little closer than the parking lot by the softball field, depending on where you find a space.
I physically walked out the distance from the Porter Hospital garage to the ARC when I was working for the Crusader Fund. It is the same distance as the middle of the softball field lot. So, on the positive side it's the same distance as many people park already. On the negative side, I don't think the softball lot is considered ideal parking by most fans, but rather the place you end up when all the good spots are gone. In addition, people are just not used to parking up by the hospital garage, and I think the perception is that it is further. Lastly, on a cold windy night, walking along the new sidewalk with the open soccer field to your west can be pretty rough compared to the relatively sheltered walk along Union Street.
Quote from: ml2 on October 12, 2017, 10:16:56 AM
I physically walked out the distance from the Porter Hospital garage to the ARC when I was working for the Crusader Fund. It is the same distance as the middle of the softball field lot. So, on the positive side it's the same distance as many people park already. On the negative side, I don't think the softball lot is considered ideal parking by most fans, but rather the place you end up when all the good spots are gone. In addition, people are just not used to parking up by the hospital garage, and I think the perception is that it is further. Lastly, on a cold windy night, walking along the new sidewalk with the open soccer field to your west can be pretty rough compared to the relatively sheltered walk along Union Street.
I agree that more direction toward that hospital lot needs to occur and I suspect there are plans for this. As for "cold windy nights", in Northern Indiana? Seriously?? :o
I think the first promotion of the year should be Valpo earmuffs for the first 1000 fans!!
A few years back weren't there plans to build a parking garage south of the ARC?
One of the long range master plans showed a garage south of Mueller and west of Linwood House. There is a "road to nowhere" there currently on Campus Drive South. You can see it on this overhead:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.4620017,-87.0450114,276m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.4620017,-87.0450114,276m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en)
But those master plans go out like 30 years, and many of the proposals in it may not happen for a long time, if ever.
If a garage was built there, in itself it wouldn't offer great parking for the games either. But if students could be forced there to leave more spots in the lot west of Memorial Guild, then I suppose it could help improve things on game nights at the ARC.
Quote from: ml2 on October 12, 2017, 01:47:49 PMsouth of Mueller
That would most likely be further away (or as far away) as the softball lot or hospital lot in relation to the ARC.
With the plan to move the frats off Mound and onto Union as well as the Master Plan calling for closing Linwood, it might be possible to build a parking garage on Linwood with a walkway through the new frat houses. The University owns almost all homes on Linwood.
Quote from: vu72 on October 12, 2017, 06:50:24 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on October 11, 2017, 08:53:16 PM
But what about the parking nearby the ARC? The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that this is the showstopper for MBB games.
The area where the garage is will be paved and together with the already paved area next to it will provide plenty of parking for athletics. That might be a 150 yard walk to the ARC. Anybody been to an athletic venue with parking much closer? Come on folks. 150 yards??
I agree, when you look at the parking at places like the Hulman Center in Terre Haute, the Ford Center in Evansville, the Orena at Oakland, the Gentile Center at Loyola in Chicago (most people don't drive, they take the train or an Uber), etc. the parking is not much closer, if it is closer, than the lots near LaPorte Ave are to the ARC. What would help a great deal is if they would have people at the doors closest to the football field like they used to have so people didn't have to walk farther to the doors closer to Union Street. How hard is it to have those doors open as an entrance especially when the weather gets bad?
Quote from: ml2 on October 12, 2017, 01:47:49 PM
If a garage was built there, in itself it wouldn't offer great parking for the games either. But if students could be forced there to leave more spots in the lot west of Memorial Guild, then I suppose it could help improve things on game nights at the ARC.
Signs should be placed at that lot saying "no student or faculty parking after 5p on game nights." As I vaguely recall there are 150-175 parking spots in that lot. That should be a paid game parking lot. At $10 a pop that's $1500-1750/game x 15 = $22,000-26,000 gross profit for the season. A small university that would turn its nose up at an opportunity to add $25,000 a year to it's Athletic Department coffers for doing practically nothing tells me as a donor that my charitable dollars would be put to better use somewhere else. It also sends a message to your faithful basketball (PAYING) supporters that you value them and appreciate their support (something that an open field lot separated by a 1/4 mile tundra certainly does not). This is such low hanging fruit it's almost dragging the ground.
Build fan loyalty and get paid for it - what a novel idea! "Are you smarter than a 10-year-old?"
I agree with wh's argument and have seen this done at other universities. However, it does create some logistics problems, though I am not sure whether they are applicable to Valpo. Some classes may go beyond 5:00 PM and there may be evening classes. This may be the everyday parking for faculty and staff in buildings adjacent to the lot. These issues could be complicated further if a game were to be moved for TV to 6:00 PM.
As of yesterday a high-reach excavator is parked along side the parking garage. Looks like demolition is imminent.
It could come down fast. Or not. Depending on how quickly it comes down and winter weather hitting NW Indiana, they might be able to repave it, once the debris is removed, to provide those extra spaces for all or at least a portion of the BB season. The important MVC season tips off after the New Year, so that might be the target for this project. is now a no-brainer and maybe some of the late Novemebr and December games can use the new area.
I might add that there are just under 50 existing spaces surrounding LeBein Hall and it's annex (Lot 26?), but there is also a lot of open space there that could be expanded into additional parking without seriously impacting the aesthetics around the buildings there. That could add another 50-60 spaces easily. And that is even closer to the ARC.
Well, that didn't take long. 2 of 3 sections on the east end have already been taken down.
Ok. I modified my previous post :bowdown: ;D
WH, any thoughts on the second paragraph? You are there. Is there room for that.
Quote from: VULB#62 on October 17, 2017, 07:40:24 PM
WH, any thoughts on the second paragraph? You are there. Is there room for that.
Great idea! People love that area and parking spots fill up long before game time. The lighting is excellent, as well. More spots would be that much better. I'll try to scope it out tomorrow and report back.
It is university owned property so the zoning stuff might not be so much of an issue.
Quote from: VULB#62 on October 17, 2017, 08:10:01 AM
It could come down fast. Or not. Depending on how quickly it comes down and winter weather hitting NW Indiana, they might be able to repave it, once the debris is removed, to provide those extra spaces for all or at least a portion of the BB season. The important MVC season tips off after the New Year, so that might be the target for this project. is now a no-brainer and maybe some of the late Novemebr and December games can use the new area.
I might add that there are just under 50 existing spaces surrounding LeBein Hall and it's annex (Lot 26?), but there is also a lot of open space there that could be expanded into additional parking without seriously impacting the aesthetics around the buildings there. That could add another 50-60 spaces easily. And that is even closer to the ARC.
True. There is an expansive flat, grassy area adjacent to the annex to the north and east, and it does look like it could accommodate that many additional spots. That could be a $5 lot. In fact, I think I recall seeing a $5 parking sign and parking attendant at the entrance to that area for a recent football game. I don't recall having seen paid parking signs there before, but as someone who doesn't follow VU football very closely, I could easily be wrong.
I just emailed MLB with this idea.
I drove by the parking garage demolition site this morning. The entire structure is gone. It looks like they are cleaning up remaining concrete and back filling and leveling the area. While I didn't really see the garage as an eye-sore (even after the hospital was gone), admittedly the area looks better (cleaner) without it.
I could be wrong about this, but I think I recall seeing/hearing (maybe on this forum) that the University's master plan includes closing part of LaPorte Avenue to thru traffic. I can see definite facility planning advantages of having one contiguous piece of develop-able ground continuing west from the former garage area to the end of LaPorte Av. Does this ring a bell with anyone?
Quote from: wh on November 17, 2017, 09:05:31 AM
I drove by the parking garage demolition site this morning. The entire structure is gone. It looks like they are cleaning up remaining concrete and back filling and leveling the area. While I didn't really see the garage as an eye-sore (even after the hospital was gone), admittedly the area looks better (cleaner) without it.
I could be wrong about this, but I think I recall seeing/hearing (maybe on this forum) that the University's master plan includes closing part of LaPorte Avenue to thru traffic. I can see definite facility planning advantages of having one contiguous piece of develop-able ground continuing west from the former garage area to the end of LaPorte Av. Does this ring a bell with anyone?
Yes it does. Take a look at the Master Plan I've attached. Scroll down to page 11 and you will see the plan. Looks to me like it is planned to be closed just west of McIntire.
https://www.valpo.edu/masterplan/assets/docs/VU%20MP%20Exec%20Summary_final.pdf
Yep, that is the plan. It includes sustaining the parking structure (that is now rubble). In that context, looking at the page 11 graphic, it is very clear that little planning went into convenient parking near to venues that attract large crowds.
It could become an absolutely amazing campus.
Note page 3 and the statement that we "imagine" a student body of 6,000.
https://twitter.com/wvur/status/936014243765334018
Good to see that athletic facilities are prominent in the list (by their absence) ::)
I'm getting a little fuzzy now on where things are located. Where is Schnabel Hall?
Quote from: crusadermoe on November 30, 2017, 10:52:42 PM
I'm getting a little fuzzy now on where things are located. Where is Schnabel Hall?
Wasn't Schnabel Hall the front portion of the business/communications building? Urschel being the other half.
Quote from: VULB#62 on November 30, 2017, 09:28:46 AM
Good to see taht athletic facilities are prominent in the list (by their absence) ::)
Let's suppose that someone elderly has bequeathed an extremely large gift earmarked for athletic facilities. None of us would be in a position to know that, nor could the University publicize it until that person passes on and it has the assets in hand. Then, suddenly, an announcement is made and a plan springs into action. I have no idea if that's the case, but I do know of someone who fits the profile I described. In any event, it might explain why athletic facilities are conspicuously absent from the list. Just a guess.
Quote from: VULB#62 on November 30, 2017, 09:28:46 AM
Good to see taht athletic facilities are prominent in the list (by their absence) ::)
Wouldn't the parking lot in front of LeBien help athletics?
Quote from: valporun on December 01, 2017, 08:14:23 AM
Quote from: crusadermoe on November 30, 2017, 10:52:42 PM
I'm getting a little fuzzy now on where things are located. Where is Schnabel Hall?
Wasn't Schnabel Hall the front portion of the business/communications building? Urschel being the other half.
The map indicates Schnabel isn't part of Urschel, which is a stand alone structure, but part of Kalley-Christopher,where the communications department is housed and presumably where WVUR and VUTV are housed.
https://www.valpo.edu/about/files/2014/07/CampusMapBrochure_WEBFINAL.pdf
The fraternities I believe are not being financed by Valpo so thats at least not a priority over athletics.
Glad to see renovations of those residence halls as they are desperately needed.
Quote from: vu72 on December 01, 2017, 09:17:29 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on November 30, 2017, 09:28:46 AM
Good to see taht athletic facilities are prominent in the list (by their absence) ::)
Wouldn't the parking lot in front of LeBien help athletics?
Yes, it would help during MBB games. So indirectly there is an Athletic Department benefit. However, the original list spotlighted specific projects to, for instance, "university housing" (the rennovation of the dorms). My snarky comment was that there were no specific projects earmarked for "athletics," that's all.
Wasn't Schnabel Hall the front portion of the business/communications building? Urschel being the other half.
Schnabel is the original building and Kallay-Christopher was attached to it as a much bigger addition. 'VUR, Torch, Communications and the TV Studio are in the Schnabel; the Geography / Meteorology departments are in Kallay-Christopher.
https://www.valpo.edu/about/files/2012/11/Valpo-Campus2017_with-Key_2017_FINAL.pdf
Urschel is the College of Business. and is about 30 feet east of Schnabel Hall.
Quote from: wh on December 01, 2017, 09:13:00 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on November 30, 2017, 09:28:46 AM
Good to see taht athletic facilities are prominent in the list (by their absence) ::)
Let's suppose that someone elderly has bequeathed an extremely large gift earmarked for athletic facilities. None of us would be in a position to know that, nor could the University publicize it until that person passes on and it has the assets in hand. Then, suddenly, an announcement is made and a plan springs into action. I have no idea if that's the case, but I do know of someone who fits the profile I described. In any event, it might explain why athletic facilities are conspicuously absent from the list. Just a guess.
I sure hope you're correct.
Quote from: wh on December 01, 2017, 09:13:00 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on November 30, 2017, 09:28:46 AM
Good to see taht athletic facilities are prominent in the list (by their absence) ::)
Let's suppose that someone elderly has bequeathed an extremely large gift earmarked for athletic facilities. None of us would be in a position to know that, nor could the University publicize it until that person passes on and it has the assets in hand. Then, suddenly, an announcement is made and a plan springs into action. I have no idea if that's the case, but I do know of someone who fits the profile I described. In any event, it might explain why athletic facilities are conspicuously absent from the list. Just a guess.
Oh come on wh. You aren't that elderly! ;)
Quote from: vu72 on December 01, 2017, 09:17:29 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on November 30, 2017, 09:28:46 AM
Good to see taht athletic facilities are prominent in the list (by their absence) ::)
Wouldn't the parking lot in front of LeBien help athletics?
They've been making progress on this even in the winter. To my surprise, it looks to me like it'll only be a fairly small parking lot. Maybe less than half the size of the plot of land.
They've not poured the pavement yet, but they have put in the curbs and rocks/gravel that I assume will be under the pavement.
They also seem to have graded outside the curbs and even put down some kind of green powder, like I'd expect from a fertilizer/grass seed mix. (Really not sure what this would be doing there in January, so maybe I'm misidentifying it.)
Maybe I missed this but what is in the old first source bank on lincolnway/laporte by the roundabout? I noticed it had a name on the building and it's a "hall"....im assuming it's now part of the university but maybe not?
That sounds like the Innovation Hub, a joint venture of the College of Business and the College of Engineering.
https://www.valpo.edu/news/2017/04/18/valparaiso-university-establishes-innovation-hub/
That's it! Thanks!
There is going to be even less parking on campus... When I was a student the lack of parking was an issue. I'm not sure if that's been addressed in any sort of way. I know the University wanted to almost force student to walk everywhere and not drive to class, which sometimes was a pain if you lived off campus and couldn't find parking.
It would be nice if they'd address the parking issue around the ARC.
https://twitter.com/nwi/status/960128422923177986
Valparaiso committee reviews plans for improvement to Valparaiso University campus
Joyce Russell joyce.russell@nwi.com,
219-548-4352 6 hrs ago
........
The city's site review committee took a preliminary look at the university's plan to remove parking from the east end of the campus to the perimeter and replace it with a series of pathways and quads.
.........
The construction could begin shortly after commencement in May. The first phase would be completed before classes begin in the fall.
The project begins at the east end at Sturdy Road. Phase one ends at the Center of the Arts. Two additional phases will take the project to the Chapel of the Resurrection. It does not include the construction of any buildings, Ritter said, but focuses on hardscape and landscape.
........... http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso-committee-reviews-plans-for-improvement-to-valparaiso-university-campus/article_1892bc08-ada0-540d-9d44-a3aebe7c9906.html?utm_content=buffer02048&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=LEEDCC
Another parking lot gone... How are people supposed to attend games if they can't park their cars? Without any sort of counter-measure, this is a great way to kill athletics programs es especially with the students appearing to be so (a)pathetic when it comes to showing up for games. Suggested counter-measure: funnel parking to that giant lot across from the Horizon Bank and operate a fan shuttle. Notre Dame has a similar campus layout to the one proposed here and they operate a shuttle that drops people off very close to the stadium. Short of rebuilding the parking garage, this could be the only way to stave off the attendance decline that will come from eliminating yet more parking space.
Is this parking used for anything besides commuter students/faculty/staff? I can't imagine it's dorm parking and it's definitely not being used by people going to basketball games (although I can see how if it is used for dorm parking it could affect game parking).
its not really a ton of parking and I think was generally staff. They have already worked to prep for it by adding staff parking by neils and working to get residents to park in the garage rather than have it half epty
So this is another small thing that a few want to turn into a big deal? Got it.
Yeah there really isn't an issue with lack of parking on the east side of campus at all.
In fact, until last year when they started exchanging some residential parking for commuter and staff on the east side the four story parking garage was often only half full. They have no made the row of parking in front of all the dorms from Scheele to Alumni either commuter or staff which has moved students into the garage.
They're basically only getting ride of the strip of parking in front of the meteorology and communications building and the VUCA which isn't very many spots and is in a bit of disrepair.
Honestly it will be nice to have more green space and better landscaping on campus, especially near the academic buildings. It will increase that collegiate atmosphere and hell, maybe they could even create a quad or two which is something I've always wished Valpo had more of.
They problem really is the lack of parking on the west side of campus. If they suceed in moving some of the last few academic building closer to the main part of campus that could definitely help but they still need a spot for GM residents if you want that parking lot in front of the arc to be for sports visitors. If they could put a small parking garage near where the linwood apartments were that might help but I know they don't want to mess with the volleyball courts there or the hill as students do utilize that area.
Thanks for posting the article. It's more than I've seen in writing, but I probably don't follow _every_ way that such developments and plans are discussed on campus. But, I do suspect that the university does a relatively poor job of communicating these things to staff.
I have been hearing about some of these plans in the last weeks, but only informally.
The (faculty/staff) lot west of Neils was closed for building construction/renovation, and as far as I know it was announced only informally that it will _not_ re-open, but will instead be turned into green space. The VUCA lot is used by a number of faculty and staff, as I recall, and also students. When I've tried to use it, even in the evenings, it's often been full. I guess these two moves (Neils and VUCA) together will push some faculty further afield, behind the Union, or even into the softball lots.
I guess there's probably enough capacity in the garage, in the lots on the east and south-east sides of campus, and in the softball lots, for everyone. But, it will shift things around.
I guess it will have only second-order effects on athletics. If more people are using the softball lots during the day, there might be less room available in those lots for basketball games (this is already sometimes an issue when there are other evening events on campus; I've been pushed into parking behind the Union a number of times for basketball games, though not yet this season; I don't particularly consider the Union to be too far from the ARC).
Overall, I like the idea of a more-pedestrian campus. Particularly with the move to ten-minute passing periods I don't know that we've really solved the issue of cross-campus commutes. But, I'm not convinced that cars were a good solution to that, anyway. If these moves push more people into behavior like biking to campus (we could use some covered parking), or "park my car on the perimeter, leave it there for the day" that sounds like a positive development to me.
It will take some getting used to. And, I wish they'd communicate better with campus stakeholders. But, overall, seems positive.
I agree. There really has been a consistent transition (which is good) away from allowing students to assume they have direct parking next to whatever building they had class in at the time. Residents should have cars parked in the garage and commuter parking should generally be on the outskirts. Valpo is still a small campus so other than some cross campus commutes there's little reason you need to drive to class or park right next to it.
Also, like everything, it will soon become normal to the students and will seem less disruptive. I already feel we have seen an increase in bikes on campus and my guess it will become even more common. At least during the not snowy months
Quote from: crusader05 on February 05, 2018, 11:38:23 AMI already feel we have seen an increase in bikes on campus and my guess it will become even more common. At least during the not snowy months
I've not decided what's necessary/really important if you want to bike all winter:
-)Nothing, just regular maintenance.
-)Covered parking
-)Indoor parking
It's a different version of the same questions just for students who want to bike in good weather, but _keep_ their bikes on campus during the winter.
I use indoor parking on campus, clearly not now available to all who might be interested, and that's enough to let me bike most days, even in the winter.
Isn't the long-term lease for the restraurant at the corner of IN49 and US 30 about over? I believe the University owns that whole corner and the long-range plans that were released a few years ago showed some real neat improvements and a great appearance for our School as one approaches it from the East.
Are you talking about Broadway Cafe? Man I hope they find a place to relocate. That place serves some fantastic food.
Hate that place...I'd be happy to assist in its tear down!
Quote from: valpo64 on February 05, 2018, 03:30:55 PM
Isn't the long-term lease for the restraurant at the corner of IN49 and US 30 about over? I believe the University owns that whole corner and the long-range plans that were released a few years ago showed some real neat improvements and a great appearance for our School as one approaches it from the East.
[/b]
Yes, the plan shows a pond on that corner. The restaurant is the only remaining non University piece. Gaining that space for whatever use would really add to the overall ambiance.
Several years ago I was told that the University did own that restraurant land and once the current lease expired we would develope same with the pond, etc.
I've heard some rumblings that the lease is almost up as well so wonder if we will hear something soon.
Also saw a few proposed renderings of some of the green space. Not sure how up to date they are but they looked to include tree lined walkways and less of the flat grass style we currently have.
Quote from: crusader05 on February 06, 2018, 06:08:36 PM
I've heard some rumblings that the lease is almost up as well so wonder if we will hear something soon.
Also saw a few proposed renderings of some of the green space. Not sure how up to date they are but they looked to include tree lined walkways and less of the flat grass style we currently have.
The exercise lot - free parking and a brisk walk to the ARC!
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Quote from: valpo64 on February 06, 2018, 03:17:24 PM
Several years ago I was told that the University did own that restraurant land and once the current lease expired we would develope same with the pond, etc.
I'd love to have a disc golf course on campus. Something less challenging than Rogers Lakewood. Can't have liability issues much more significant than a pond, right?
I liked Broadway pretty well as a student. Their avgolemeno and rolls were great. I went back as a grad... I guess it must have been 2011, since my memory was that the place was very smoky, which definitely dampened the experience. Maybe I've been back once since that, but the place didn't have the same sparkle as when I was a student.
Diners, and Greek diners, seem like good things to have around. Probably I should give them another shake sometime. But, there are lots of other options. (If you haven't already, consider Louie Wingz, at the old Maria Elena's location in Hilltop, before or after your next game at the ARC!)
I'd really like to see more late night places near campus.
We frequented Dennys a ton when I was a student but it and El Amigo were not located in a place you could get without a car. Just one diner/coffee shop hangout place that's open til 1 or 2 could do a great deal for the night life aspect of valpo. Not just as a late night pit stop but as a place that's not a dorm where you could go, drink coffee and hang for hours
Is the Broadway Cafe the old Orange Bowl or was the OB further down 30?
yes...it's the old Org. Bowl
Quote from: crusader05 on February 07, 2018, 12:55:53 PM
I'd really like to see more late night places near campus.
We frequented Dennys a ton when I was a student but it and El Amigo were not located in a place you could get without a car. Just one diner/coffee shop hangout place that's open til 1 or 2 could do a great deal for the night life aspect of valpo. Not just as a late night pit stop but as a place that's not a dorm where you could go, drink coffee and hang for hours
For late night food, for me in the 90's it was Taco Bello south of 30, or sometimes Steak 'n Shake.
For late night studying, in public, it was sometimes the 24-hour computer lounge that used to operate in the old Union. (There's maybe still such a space, but it doesn't have its own entrance, so I guess you have to be in there before the building closes.)
It looks like campus is undergoing quite the landscaping job right now. Can't wait to see how it turns out at Homecoming.
https://twitter.com/ValpoU/status/1017108598952988672
Quote from: agibson on February 07, 2018, 02:53:07 PMQuote from: crusader05 on February 07, 2018, 12:55:53 PMI'd really like to see more late night places near campus. We frequented Dennys a ton when I was a student but it and El Amigo were not located in a place you could get without a car. Just one diner/coffee shop hangout place that's open til 1 or 2 could do a great deal for the night life aspect of valpo. Not just as a late night pit stop but as a place that's not a dorm where you could go, drink coffee and hang for hours
For late night food, for me in the 90's it was Taco Bello south of 30, or sometimes Steak 'n Shake. For late night studying, in public, it was sometimes the 24-hour computer lounge that used to operate in the old Union. (There's maybe still such a space, but it doesn't have its own entrance, so I guess you have to be in there before the building closes.)
There's still a 24 hour study area with computers in the new union. I think there's an entrance and you can access it with your ID\One Card even after hours but I'm not 100% sure.
There is a study hour but I"m thinking things that feel more social and less "what's open this late" local coffee shops, lounges, that kind of thing. Not every student goes out on the weekend to parties but I have yet to meet a 19 year old that doesn't like to stay up late so I feel like providing late night casual activities and locations is important. I remember spending hours drinking coffee at the Denny's. A couple more places like that couldn't hurt.
Ah yes, many late nights at the Denny's, since it was really the only place open :)
Here is a photo update of the East campus Project. You can see the quad/oval starting to shape up.
https://twitter.com/skhorbotly/status/1020516191528521730
I am ridiculously excited for this new development combined with the removal of the broadway cafe. IF you've ever been in the new science building you can see how this will turn into just an amazing view and a beautiful part of campus.
I too am looking forward to the new look of the Campus from the east...will there be an entrance/exit from the east Campus to IN 49(Sturdy)?
Quote from: valpo64 on July 21, 2018, 04:10:09 PM
I too am looking forward to the new look of the Campus from the east...will there be an entrance/exit from the east Campus to IN 49(Sturdy)?
Let's be clear. State Hwy 49 is not Sturdy Road and Sturdy Road is not State Hwy 49 (any longer).
There already is the same entrance (this was formerly the torch entrance but that was taken down and a new torch entrance is now off of US 30 by the Welcome Center and west of where the Broadway Cafe was located) that comes off Sturdy and connects with the new outer road and will also go through the brand new oval which has connections to Urschel Hall, Schnabel Hall/Christopher/Kallay Hall (meteorology), VUCA, Chapel, Gellersen (engineering), Meier, and the new Center for the Sciences.
https://www.valpo.edu/about/files/2012/11/Valpo-Campus2017_with-Key_2017_FINAL.pdf (this map doesn't have the new oval which is under construction)
Thanks for correcting me on the Sturdy Rd/IN49 thing. I forgot that it no longer is IN49. Are there any renderings or drawings/pictures of the new East Campus look with the new and improved entrance, access roads, and pond that are planned for the southeast /east side of campus?
Quote from: VU2014 on July 11, 2018, 01:19:18 PMIt looks like campus is undergoing quite the landscaping job right now. Can't wait to see how it turns out at Homecoming.
Pretty big changes. If memory serves, ripping out all or most of the parking lot between the VUCA and Gellersen. And the lot between Neils and the Union as well. Continuing the move to "parking on the perimeter, pedestrian campus".
I think they're hoping to have all of the heavy equipment out before students return. But, it's hard to imagine that the landscaping will all be finished - I expect grass may still be closed off, etc.
(Sorry, I missed page 4 when writing this. But, I guess I'll leave it here.)
Quote from: valpotx on July 20, 2018, 09:38:47 PM
Ah yes, many late nights at the Denny's, since it was really the only place open :)
I'm not sure I remember this at all. I remember Taco Bell and Steak and Shake.
It looks like Denny's was located where Kelsey's is now (near Steak and Shake). I wonder what years Denny's operated?
It was there for my entire 1999-2004 time on campus.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/33a4ggl.jpg)
apologizes for the orientation of the picture.
There is an artist rendering outside the construction area. The paved oval toward the top of the picture will be right by the VUCa to help people get an idea of where it sits on campus. The road and sidewalks will then create a large oval of grass between Urschelle, and Kalle and Gellerson, Meier, and the new science building. The benefit of most of the grass being surrounded by the road and sidewalk is that it should be pretty easy to rope off until it's set at the beginning of the school year.
As for the Denny's, it closed in 2005.
This is an image of the campus restructuring I posted in the "Facilities" thread back at the start of May:
(https://s7.postimg.cc/bryz7y6dn/unnamed.jpg)
I guess the paved circle is a version of the VUCA turnaround, for dropping of patrons for concerts and such. Not crazy. But, the road at the bottom of the image surprises me. I don't know what it's for. It seems to go maybe even further than the current road, which ends at the current turnaround, I near as I can tell exists only to serve the turnaround.
Very cool, it looks like dogs will be allowed! ;)
Quote from: agibson on July 25, 2018, 10:35:19 AM
I guess the paved circle is a version of the VUCA turnaround, for dropping of patrons for concerts and such. Not crazy. But, the road at the bottom of the image surprises me. I don't know what it's for. It seems to go maybe even further than the current road, which ends at the current turnaround, I near as I can tell exists only to serve the turnaround.
The road at the bottom appears to go all the way through??
Quote from: valpotx on July 25, 2018, 11:31:18 AM
Very cool, it looks like dogs will be allowed! ;)
Heh. I don't actually know the campus policy there. I do see one on campus every once in a while.
(And, periodically, maybe every finals week, Prof. Maugans does bring a therapy dog to campus for petting opportunities in the Chapel.)
Quote from: wh on July 25, 2018, 01:02:12 PM
Quote from: agibson on July 25, 2018, 10:35:19 AM
I guess the paved circle is a version of the VUCA turnaround, for dropping of patrons for concerts and such. Not crazy. But, the road at the bottom of the image surprises me. I don't know what it's for. It seems to go maybe even further than the current road, which ends at the current turnaround, I near as I can tell exists only to serve the turnaround.
The road at the bottom appears to go all the way through??
Right? Almost like they want to reconnect Chapel Drive. Which would be very strange.
I walked over there at lunch time, and they do seem to have around 50 feet of that path, the Chapel end of it, maybe just at the edge of the illustration, freshly paved with black top. A little bit wider than the existing pathway/walking path/bike path that it butts up against. It doesn't look like a road. No idea why the want to make some of the paths blacktop. Very strange.
They've torn up part of the road on the Chapel side also, right where the road dead ends there between the Chapel and the Union. Not sure what's going on there.
Quote from: agibson on July 25, 2018, 10:35:19 AM
I guess the paved circle is a version of the VUCA turnaround, for dropping of patrons for concerts and such. Not crazy. But, the road at the bottom of the image surprises me. I don't know what it's for. It seems to go maybe even further than the current road, which ends at the current turnaround, I near as I can tell exists only to serve the turnaround.
Pretty sure that is not a road but a walking path. My understanding is the only road is the one leading to the drop off for the VUCA.
Quote from: vu72 on July 25, 2018, 08:54:09 PM
Quote from: agibson on July 25, 2018, 10:35:19 AM
I guess the paved circle is a version of the VUCA turnaround, for dropping of patrons for concerts and such. Not crazy. But, the road at the bottom of the image surprises me. I don't know what it's for. It seems to go maybe even further than the current road, which ends at the current turnaround, I near as I can tell exists only to serve the turnaround.
Pretty sure that is not a road but a walking path. My understanding is the only road is the one leading to the drop off for the VUCA.
Yeah, I think you're right (particularly after getting eyeballs on it today). But I have no idea why they decided that one of the walking paths should be black.
it's actually "CobbleStone walkway"... I was watching the pro's install it... at least they've had spectacular weather this week... they've also moved a LOT of dirt in this site and the B'way cafe parking lot...It's as if they know August 17th is only 3 weeks away.
The construction stuff near the chapel and union is because of some repair work for the roof on the chapel entranceway I believe.
As far as tearing down the Broadway Cafe building. I believe that should be started within the next week. It looked like they already got the parking lot up last time I drove by but there was so much dirt it was hard to see.
Here is your weekly update picture.
https://twitter.com/skhorbotly/status/1023030560137076737
Quote from: crusader05 on July 26, 2018, 06:25:29 PM
The construction stuff near the chapel and union is because of some repair work for the roof on the chapel entranceway I believe.
As far as tearing down the Broadway Cafe building. I believe that should be started within the next week. It looked like they already got the parking lot up last time I drove by but there was so much dirt it was hard to see.
At the Broadway Cafe site they yanked up all the trees in one day and then after a few days of rain they bulldozed the parking lot. Since the last time I looked they had not touched the building yet. I hope they put some more trees in the area when they are done tearing down the BC building. It was such a shame to pull out all the trees they did by the Broadway Cafe.
I agree. Keeping the campus area at least somewhat green adds an important aesthetic touch that must not be lost amid all this wonderful development .
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on July 28, 2018, 10:11:34 AM
I agree. Keeping the campus area at least somewhat green adds an important aesthetic touch that must not be lost amid all this wonderful development .
From the looks of the new quad there is a lot of new green both in all the grass plus it look slike new trees all the way around it.
With the work being done on the quad and around the chapel, I thought everyone might appreciate viewing the following (click on photos for full images):
[tweet]1022498029834825728[/tweet]
as far as trees there is a city ordinance that you must replace any tree you cut down with another, possibly more depending on the size of the original trees. They don't have to go in the same place but they must be replaced.
Your weekly update picture.
You get two of them this week ;D
https://twitter.com/skhorbotly/status/1025518417997168640
I really appreciate your efforts to keep everyone up-to-date on the construction progress via pictures...thanks!
Quote from: valpo64 on August 04, 2018, 12:20:11 PM
I really appreciate your efforts to keep everyone up-to-date on the construction progress via pictures...thanks!
I second that, thanks!
[tweet]1030101238250176517[/tweet]
Quote from: valpopal on August 16, 2018, 12:10:01 PM
[tweet]1030101238250176517[/tweet]
Is the bare area in the upper right corner of the pic the bulldozed Broadway Cafe plot?
Quote from: VULB#62 on August 16, 2018, 12:57:26 PM
Quote from: valpopal on August 16, 2018, 12:10:01 PM
[tweet]1030101238250176517[/tweet]
Is the bare area in the upper right corner of the pic the bulldozed Broadway Cafe plot?
Yes, looks like it's going to be just a flat grassy expanse for now. Didn't someone say we should expect a water feature on the site of the old Broadway Cafe?
There is a water feature there in the strategic plan I believe. It's probably two late in the year to move forward with that now but maybe next summer.
Some things that may be a bit hard to see from teh birds eye view: Their are picnic tables with shade in front of the VUCA and there are benches around the main quad area. They have all the straw and fast growing grass seed down now and are watering.
Some other updates is they have torn up the old parking lot next to neil's and laid that with grass seed and have moved some side walks around that lead from the freshman dorms to the union to the VUCA that flow a bit better.
(https://imgur.com/a/F4oZkZk)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/5nvki.jpg)
snapped a picture of the quad while walking on campus again. The grass is started to fully come in and honestly the view towards the chapel is just amazing. I have seen students already out sitting on benches and on the picnic tables outside of the VUCA.
Eventually (and probably soon) the University is going to have to address parking. But this is such a beautiful and needed addition.
Any new updated photos of the new Campus look?
The physical transformation continues to be incredible. Is this intended to help the general public get to the music performances more easily? Or is it more aesthetic?
I believe it is more aesthetically focused. The goal is to turn campus from one crisscrossed with roads and small parking lots to one with more walking space and parking along the edges. They changed up some parking to add more commuter spaces but they're still dealing with a mindset that "I should be able to park right next to the building or dorm that I'm in" That said, I don't think there is any campus where students and staff are satisfied with parking.
That said I think one more parking garage would do wonders to help with this.
Quote from: crusader05 on September 12, 2018, 07:25:11 AM
I believe it is more aesthetically focused. The goal is to turn campus from one crisscrossed with roads and small parking lots to one with more walking space and parking along the edges. They changed up some parking to add more commuter spaces but they're still dealing with a mindset that "I should be able to park right next to the building or dorm that I'm in" That said, I don't think there is any campus where students and staff are satisfied with parking.
That said I think one more parking garage would do wonders to help with this.
Sounds like the next move should be the addition of the planned parking ramp at the Union.
As offered in comment many times.
If we build it (and re-landscape it with crosswalks etc)...... will they come?
Here you go:
https://twitter.com/skhorbotly/status/1040318191325601793
Did anyone attend Homecoming and want to give us their impression of the changes on campus? Maybe even have pics? :)
Quote from: 94Alum on October 01, 2018, 01:44:05 PM
Did anyone attend Homecoming and want to give us their impression of the changes on campus? Maybe even have pics? :)
I was there but unfortunately didn't take any pictures. The campus and the new quad look fabulous. The next construction will be the new Phi Psi house, a $3 million project which broke ground on Saturday of Homecoming. It is located across the street from the Sorority housing and kitty corner from the ARC.
Don't really understand why so much attention is being paid to the fraternities\sororities when the dorms and ARC still need so much attention.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on October 18, 2018, 05:35:07 AM
Don't really understand why so much attention is being paid to the fraternities\sororities when the dorms and ARC still need so much attention.
SCREW THE ARC. Yes to dorms.
Why you so casually and easily dismiss the value of one of the best brand building and marketing tools the university has outside of academics to increase enrollment, achieve the master plan, and make all the spending worthwhile continues to baffle and astound me; but we all have our priorities I guess.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on October 18, 2018, 05:35:07 AM
Don't really understand why so much attention is being paid to the fraternities\sororities when the dorms and ARC still need so much attention.
The only attention paid to the Phi Psi house was President Heckler speaking at the ground breaking. All the funding was done/is being done via the brotherhood.
Quote from: vu72 on October 18, 2018, 08:23:17 AMQuote from: VUGrad1314 on October 18, 2018, 05:35:07 AMDon't really understand why so much attention is being paid to the fraternities\sororities when the dorms and ARC still need so much attention.
The only attention paid to the Phi Psi house was President Heckler speaking at the ground breaking. All the funding was done/is being done via the brotherhood.
Fair enough. I stand corrected on this issue. Thank you.
...a year and a half later. Is the Phi Psi house completed?
I found this on Google maps. Stunning!
Valparaiso University
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7EfSh3ChzfXaPSybA
From that it appears the Phi Psi house has not been built. It seems pretty up to date in that the former Broadway Cafe is gone and is a nice patch of verdant green grass now lol.
The foundation was finished a few weeks ago. Seems like they are on track to be finished by fall.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9waiRWB9fF/?igshid=1q4fq8pv31ule
https://www.valpo.edu/college-of-engineering/news-features/?type=post&site=239&id=12077