With blueprints unfolding, the University of Arkansas campus undergoes impactful construction that aims to enhance academic resources and create inviting communal spaces. The university undertakes three construction projects throughout the 2024-2025 academic school year: Mullins Library renovations, Institute for Integrative and Innovation Research, and Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation. Drew Watzke, a representative of facilities management, expresses gratitude for his opportunity to help the university’s facilities department receive recognition for their dedication and
hardwork.
“Our facilities management department does a phenomenal job in getting these structures built,” said Watzke. “A lot of them are very difficult projects that take years to plan, find the funding, and actually execute.” Situated at the heart of campus, Mullins Library serves as the university’s academic center and is undergoing construction that originally began in 2018. The renewal of Mullins consists of two
phases. Each phase targets specific levels of the building to ensure that students and faculty can still access library resources throughout the construction process.
The first phase of Mullins Library included renovations to the third and fourth floors which reopened August 2021.
The second phase of Mullins Library focuses on the first and second levels, mimicking the style and design of the first phase renovations.These additions include a virtual reality lab, data visualization space, event space, a café, makerspace and a recording studio suite. Senior marketing student Bentlee Robinson voices her input on the Mullins renovations. “I am so excited for the addition of the café. I think it will add more character to the building and offer time for a quick study break or to catch up with friends between classes,” said Robinson. “I will admit that I am a little sad to see my secret basement study spot go away, but I know that
space could be used more effectively.”
Watzke said that Chancellor Robinson has honed in on student success and research excellence this year, which are areas affected by these new structures.
The Institute for Integrative and Innovation Research sits on the corner of Dickson Street and Duncan Avenue. The I3R Building is designed to “foster collaboration, integration, and innovation.” The location of the building itself reflects this mission, strategically placed to connect with every corner of campus and its community.
The new facility, spanning approximately 144 thousand square feet, will feature advanced technology, laboratory spaces and research equipment. Comprising three levels, each floor will offer expansive collaborative areas designed for future innovation. Roll out the red carpet for the Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation.
The new research center for Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design is gaining state-wide attention, named the Overall Winner in the Arkansas Future Projects Awards 2023. The building sits at the intersection of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Lt. Col. Leroy Pond Avenue. This center for fabrication, research and development is primarily built and centered on Arkansas-sourced timber and wood, emphasizing the Arkansas Wood Innovation Program initiatives. Watzke said he believes every structure placed on campus goes back to students in a positive way.