Missouri State gears up for rec center construction

General contractor DeWitt & Associates Inc. will start work later this month on Missouri State University’s $29.7 million recreation center.

School officials will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the University Recreation Center at 2 p.m. April 16 next to Blair-Shannon Residence Hall on campus, according to a school news release, and construction will start April 19.

Funding for the project comes from a fee approved by students in 2006, $17.9 million in bonds, private donations and auxiliary enterprise funds, the release said.

From a pool of 15 companies, DeWitt had the winning bid of $19,845,870 for the recreation center project, according to school officials.

The project is scheduled for completion in November 2011.

“The University Recreation Center will be a building that the campus community can be proud of for years to come. It signifies a dedication to health and wellness in our students,” said Missouri State President Michael Nietzel in the release, also noting that the project’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design features illustrate a dedication to sustainability.

“Building this facility now is a strategic move to continue growth on our campus that will enhance the experience for current and future students who attend Missouri State," he added. "We believe in investing in the future despite difficult economic times because the need for higher education continues to grow.”

Read Springfield Business Journal's April 12 issue for more on DeWitt & Associates' work on major university projects.[[In-content Ad]]