University Center renovations boost city building permit totals

The renovation of Waylands University Center calculated at $4.9 million is the lions share of $5.5 million in building permits issued by the City of Plainview in May.

But its not the only commercial construction now under way.

The University Center renovations include an updated cafeteria, giving students easier access to food and drink stations. The long table seating will be replaced by more intimate round tables to better simulate a dining experience. While changing the seating structure will remove some seats, the cafeteria will increase the number of operating hours throughout the day, allowing more flexibility in eating times for students.

Other changes to the University Center will include the remodeling of the student lounge area. Petes Place, located in the basement, will reopen as a coffee shop, serving Starbucks products to students.

The area also will house a grill and a stage area with lighting and sound systems. The south portion of the basement will be turned into offices for student activities and student government.

The courtyard area will be remodeled, and actions will be taken to control the bird population in the outdoor area.

To accommodate the project, the University Bookstore has been moved into McDonald Hall. Other offices from the now-closed University Center have been relocated throughout the campus.

Two commercial remodeling permits for $140,000 and $125,000, respectively, were issued for 3220 Olton Road in the Village Shopping Center.

While no formal announcement has been made, officials with both shopping center owner R-K-R and Ramsowers Furniture acknowledged last week that a national sporting goods chain has signed a lease to locate there.

According to the citys report on building permits, that chain is Big 5 Sporting Goods. The company, along with R-K-R, were issued the construction permits with Randall Roberts Construction listed as contractor.

Read the original:
University Center renovations boost city building permit totals