UCO makes impact across Oklahoma with fall break service projects - The Edmond Sun: Education (http://www.edmondsun.com/news/education/uco-makes-impact-across-oklahoma-with-fall-break-service-projects/article_d607c8e6-7d04-11e5-8c91-0b6f454512c0.html)

UCO set to break ground on Mitchell Hall Theatre expansion - The Edmond Sun: Education (http://www.edmondsun.com/news/education/uco-set-to-break-ground-on-mitchell-hall-theatre-expansion/article_a1c4be00-7d03-11e5-bc92-67a25170ae6a.html)

UCO theater addition will be a learning space for students, public | Oklahoman.com (http://www.oklahoman.com/article/5466642?access=ad62113bd0bc95bd5503dba94a25bf1b)

The UCO sports website indicates that an anonymous former Bronchos football player has made a $1M donation to the "Complete the Dream" athletic facilities improvement program. That will go a long way towards making some progress.

http://bronchosports.com/news/2016/1/20/GEN_0120165008.aspx

The sports program also got a $10 million donation last November, so there's a fair amount of money already in that pot: UCO News: UCO Receives Record-Setting $10 Million Gift (http://www2.uco.edu/press/prdetail.asp?NewsID=20486)

I recall hearing some rumblings about a big donation, but I never learned of the figure until now. Thanks.

I just noticed today that the two story white house across the street from UCO on University and Campbell has been demolished, along with the small house behind it. Does anyone know if anything is slated to be developed here?

I just noticed today that the two story white house across the street from UCO on University and Campbell has been demolished, along with the small house behind it. Does anyone know if anything is slated to be developed here?

Parking lot.

http://www.edmondsun.com/sports/central-has-groundbreaking-for-new-softball-field/article_c2e06f96-340d-11e6-9e09-f3440ee8df0c.html

Lots of pictures of the Old North renovation which should be wrapping up soon. https://www.facebook.com/uco.bronchos/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10153951645018995

Mitchell Hall expansion going up...
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http://journalrecord.com/2016/11/04/uco-finalizing-50-million-renovation-plans-real-estate/

^^^
Behind pay wall. Something about $50 mil for campus improvements. Any details?

http://journalrecord.com/2016/11/04/uco-finalizing-50-million-renovation-plans-real-estate/

UCO finalizing $50 million renovation plans

By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record November 4, 2016

EDMOND – The University of Central Oklahoma is finalizing plans for about $50 million in campus improvements, pending the approval of the education lease program.

A $14 million sports performance facility will break ground this spring.

The university will build a new dining center, upgrade its liberal arts building, and complete the second phase of the sports facility.

Vice President of Operations Kevin Freeman said these updates have been in the works for the last 10 years. They are all expected to finish in 2019.

The existing dining center and the liberal arts building were constructed in the 1960s, so student needs have changed since then. The university has to keep up with education trends to help with recruitment, he said.

“It’s imperative to upgrade these facilities as needed,” Freeman said.

The dining center will be about the same size as the existing dining area, but the kitchen will be built differently, allowing more space for eating. The center will be the first floor of a multi-story building. Freeman said the building will have either one or two more stories, with office, meeting, and event spaces.

The Liberal Arts building is frequently used by students because it’s where many general education classes are held. The update will include new classroom spaces configured to modern education needs and a renovation to the existing Pegasus Theater.

Some money for the three projects is coming from the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education Master Real Property Lease Program. UCO’s loan requests will be reviewed with other universities’ loan requests before the money is allotted. That process includes approval needed by the state Legislature and the state’s council of bond oversight. If approval is given, it will not be done until summer 2017.

UCO Athletic Director Joe Muller said the athletic program has needed its new facilities for several years. When he arrived in 2008, the newest renovation was the football stadium and the soccer field. Otherwise, the school hadn’t updated its facilities in at least 30 years.

Muller said recruitment can be challenging since coaches do not have the newest spaces to show potential student-athletes.

“We have some exceptional coaches that are good at selling the other virtues of UCO,” he said. “We have a lot to sell other than facilities.”

Now, a new softball complex is under construction and more work will start soon. The 45,000-square-foot sports performance facility that will break ground in April will have a weight room, study space, theater room, coaches’ offices, and a training facility. The phase two will have an indoor track, wrestling room, locker rooms, and auxiliary gymnasium.

These new areas will not only help with recruitment but could help move the university into a higher playing field. Muller said people outside the school have bandied about the idea of moving into a different conference or Division I.

“We are one of the largest DII schools in the country,” he said. “Until we engage or construct these facilities, we need to be good where we are. We need to win some championships at the Division II level.”

Can we please put a moratorium on posting links that lead to a paywall? Only post if you have actual information. A link leading to a paywall gives no more information than a link leading to a 404.

Can we please put a moratorium on posting links that lead to a paywall? Only post if you have actual information. A link leading to a paywall gives no more information than a link leading to a 404.

He's clarified it before, but Plutonic Panda posts links and usually warreng88 or Pete will post the full article. If I recall correctly, the Journal Record hasn't taken issue with this.

I saw banners at Wantland during Homecoming last week with the new Sports Complex renderings. Anyone know if these are online anywhere?

UCO Breaks Ground on New STEM Teaching and Research Center (http://broncho2.uco.edu/press/prdetail.asp?NewsID=22883)


http://www.media.uco.edu/press/STEMGroundbreaking02.17/STEM%20Exterior[1].jpg

UCO Breaks Ground on New STEM Teaching and Research Center
Seen here in a rendering by Elliott + Associates Architects, the University of Central Oklahoma’s new UCO Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching and Research Center will be 57,000 square feet and will include state-of-the-art research labs, new classrooms and faculty office space.

Feb. 14, 2017

Media Contact: Sarah Neese, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, UCO University Communications, 405-974-2121, sneese@uco.edu

UCO BREAKS GROUND ON NEW STEM TEACHING AND RESEARCH CENTER

As industry and economic leaders across Oklahoma look to meet future employment demands in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers, the University of Central Oklahoma continues to strengthen its STEM program with the addition of the UCO Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching and Research Center.

Central broke ground on the new center, scheduled to open in the fall of 2018, on Friday, Feb. 10, with a ceremony near its location on the southern edge of campus. The 57,000-square-foot building will include state-of-the-art research labs, new classrooms and faculty office space, as well as the Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Education and Research, the Center for Research and Education in Interdisciplinary Computation, various forensic science laboratories, an applied mathematics suite and a nursing simulation station.

“The UCO Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching and Research Center will be a new landmark on the UCO campus,” said Wei Chen, Ph.D., dean of Central’s College of Mathematics and Science (CMS), during the groundbreaking ceremony.

“It will open a new chapter for the College of Mathematics and Science. Here you will see the cross-pollination of ideas from across all STEM disciplines.”

Elliott + Associates Architects, in coordination with McClaren, Wilson and Lawrie, Inc. and Lippert Bros., Inc., designed the center, with a cost of $24 million, funded through a master lease bond issue to be paid for through CMS facility fees. In addition, the university will launch the “Ignite the Future of STEM” campaign, which will engage donors to support interior needs for the building.

A need for the new STEM facility developed as the College of Mathematics and Science grew. During the last decade, CMS student enrollment increased 54 percent and graduations within the college increased 33 percent. Additionally, academic and professional development among CMS students and faculty also increased, with faculty earning more than $17 million in research and education grants and more than 14 U.S. and international patents filed on behalf of UCO.

For more information about Central’s College of Mathematics and Science, visit www.uco.edu/cms.

(end)

Editor’s Note: Download art associated with the release at www.media.uco.edu/press/STEMGroundbreaking02.17.

Cutline 1: The University of Central Oklahoma recently broke ground on its new UCO Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching and Research Center, a 57,000-square-foot building, which will include state-of-the-art research labs, new classrooms and faculty office space. Pictured from left to right, at the groundbreaking event on Feb. 10, are Nick Bench, marketing director and project manager at Lippert Bros., Inc.; Charlotte Simmons, Ph.D., associate vice president for academic affairs; Rand Elliott, FAIA, founder and lead architect at Elliott + Associates Architects; Regent Mark Stansberry; Regent Susan Winchester; John Barthell, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs; UCO President Don Betz; Wei Chen, Ph.D., dean of the College of Mathematics and Science; Dwight Adams, Ph.D., director of Central’s Forensic Science Institute; and Lee Beasley, Sherry Beasley, Mike Steffen and Kathy Steffen, co-chairs for the “Ignite the Future of STEM” campaign.

Cutline 2: Seen here in a rendering by Elliott + Associates Architects, the University of Central Oklahoma’s new UCO Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching and Research Center will be 57,000 square feet and will include state-of-the-art research labs, new classrooms and faculty office space.

My goodness, that building is ugly.

Where on the South side of campus is this going? UCO sure has changed since I graduated. It was pretty tired when I went there they had only started some of their newer projects by the time I was out of there. Really happy to see the school grow and develop.

My goodness, that building is ugly.

Personally I kind of hate it, but don't quote me on that. Another Rand Elliott masterpiece.

I had hoped with trend of other new buildings on campus that UCO had settled into more normal looking buildings, less modern art writ large approach, but apparently not.


Where on the South side of campus is this going? UCO sure has changed since I graduated. It was pretty tired when I went there they had only started some of their newer projects by the time I was out of there. Really happy to see the school grow and develop.

Right north of the Forensic Science building, on a former parking lot. See the bottom of https://www.uco.edu/resources/campus_maps/uco-parking-map.pdf.

Personally I kind of hate it, but don't quote me on that. Another Rand Elliott masterpiece.

I had hoped with trend of other new buildings on campus that UCO had settled into more normal looking buildings, less modern art writ large approach, but apparently not.
I couldn't have said it better myself David. I absolutely hate it.

Personally I kind of hate it, but don't quote me on that. Another Rand Elliott masterpiece.

I had hoped with trend of other new buildings on campus that UCO had settled into more normal looking buildings, less modern art writ large approach, but apparently not.



Right north of the Forensic Science building, on a former parking lot. See the bottom of https://www.uco.edu/resources/campus_maps/uco-parking-map.pdf.

That sure seems like they are taking away a lot of parking. Are they adding it elsewhere?

There's some new parking that has gone up recently on the west side of University.

The new parking lots all appear to be pretty small. The lot they are building on was a large staff/faulty lot.

The new parking lots all appear to be pretty small. The lot they are building on was a large staff/faulty lot.

Yeah I was noticing that too. But I'm not really sure how full the other lots get. I actually drove by UCO a couple weeks ago during the day, as I was in the area, and noticed the big main lots on the East side of campus weren't normally as full as I remembered them. UCO has traditionally been a commuter school, and I know when I went there back in the day, they were trying to make a push to get more people to live on or near campus. I wonder if this has had an effect on parking needs.

UCO Celebrates Reopening of Historic Old North with Public Open House (http://broncho2.uco.edu/press/prdetail.asp?NewsID=22892)


http://www.media.uco.edu/press/OldNorthOpening02.17/_3E26843_GATEWAY.jpg

UCO Celebrates Reopening of Historic Old North with Public Open House
The University of Central Oklahoma will host a public opening of Old North, the oldest building on the University of Central Oklahoma campus and the first building dedicated to higher learning in Oklahoma, from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, in front of the historic building, on the west side of Central’s campus. Docents will be available on each floor to answer questions, and cookies and refreshments will be available.

Feb. 17, 2017

Media Contact: Sarah Neese, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, UCO University Communications, 405-974-2121, sneese@uco.edu

UCO CELEBRATES REOPENING OF HISTORIC OLD NORTH WITH PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE

Nearly 16 years after closing, Old North, the oldest building on the University of Central Oklahoma campus and the first building dedicated to higher learning in Oklahoma, is once again filled with eager students and engaged professors.

UCO will host a public open house for Old North from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. Docents will be available on each floor to answer questions, and cookies and refreshments will be available.

“Old North is an important part of Central’s history, and we are thrilled to open its doors once again,” said UCO President Don Betz.

“The opportunity to connect with an instrumental part of Oklahoma’s higher education system is a privilege, and we are fortunate to be able to share that connection with the surrounding community.”

The construction of Old North began in 1891 with Gail Whitely, the architect who designed the building. Students first attended classes in the building in January of 1893, with construction on the wings and tower of the building completed in 1894. More than a century later, in 2001, Old North was closed for much-needed renovations.

Restoration and renovations spanned three phases. The first phase targeted an exterior restoration, while the second phase focused on the construction of a 17,000-square-foot addition to the building. The third phase resolved structural and interior problems, as well as incorporated new designs and elements to the structure’s interior. CMS Willowbrook served as construction manager on the project, and Miles Associates as the architect.

The total cost for the restoration and renovation totaled $14.4 million, with nearly $6 million in private donations raised for the final phase of Old North’s completion. The building, which now includes approximately 44,000 square feet, serves as office, classroom and gathering space for students, faculty and staff across campus. Old North also houses UCO’s Office of the President, Office of Public Affairs and Office of Student Affairs.

“As Central begins it 127th year as an institution of higher education, the opening of Old North symbolizes our efforts to remain a steadfast and vital part of the growth, development and success of our state,” Betz added.

With strong connections throughout the Oklahoma City metro, the University of Central Oklahoma is dedicated to developing in students the confidence to succeed through transformative learning experiences. Founded in 1890, Central connects its more than 17,000 students to unmatched value found in 117 undergraduate areas of study and 70 graduate programs from its main campus in Edmond and facilities throughout the metro area. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

For more information about how to connect to Central, visit www.uco.edu.

(end)

Editor’s Note: Download art associated with this release at www.media.uco.edu/press/OldNorthOpening02.17.

Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma will host a public opening of Old North, the oldest building on the University of Central Oklahoma campus and the first building dedicated to higher learning in Oklahoma, from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, in front of the historic building, on the west side of Central’s campus. Docents will be available on each floor to answer questions, and cookies and refreshments will be available.

I am by there all the time and know several people who either attend or work there. From what I hear and have witnessed, parking can be a real challenge.

Structured parking would be nice so the large lots can be developed.

I am by there all the time and know several people who either attend or work there. From what I hear and have witnessed, parking can be a real challenge.

I have spend a lot of time on a lot of college campuses. I have yet to visit one college where everyone didn't complain about parking. Lol.

Structured parking would be nice so the large lots can be developed.

Agreed, and better yet if some mixed-use can be integrated. OU has slowly converted surface lots around the Norman campus to structured parking and then used the extra space for new construction.

Agreed, and better yet if some mixed-use can be integrated. OU has slowly converted surface lots around the Norman campus to structured parking and then used the extra space for new construction.I would love to see that.

My fantasy for this area is the housing directly to the east gets redeveloped, the parking lots are developed, structure parking is added, protected bike lanes are place throughout campus, and I'd love it if Edmond would invest in a streetcar to connect UCO and Downtown Edmond.

Rand Elliott would be better at being a sheetmetal artist or something. The problem with his buildings is they will most definitely not age well - they are niche architecture that is on the edge of being in style, it really will not take long for these types of designs to look extremely dated.

If a private developer wants to fund that fine -- but I think our colleges should use public funds to build buildings that fit with the current campus environment and use more neutral styles that will remain appealing to the eye for generations to come.

Rand Elliott would be better at being a sheetmetal artist or something. The problem with his buildings is they will most definitely not age well - they are niche architecture that is on the edge of being in style, it really will not take long for these types of designs to look extremely dated.

If a private developer wants to fund that fine -- but I think our colleges should use public funds to build buildings that fit with the current campus environment and use more neutral styles that will remain appealing to the eye for generations to come.

Very well said, catch!

In fairness, the press release rendering might not be final. While walking around campus a few days ago I snapped the following pictures, and it looks significantly different on the construction sign. It might be a different angle though, I'm not 100% sure.

http://www.okctalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13610

You can see the FSI building to the left in the rendering, so I think that view is from the same perspective more or less as where I was standing.

http://www.okctalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13611
http://www.okctalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13612

Also, a few Old North shots. I'm really pleased how this turned out.

http://www.okctalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13613
http://www.okctalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13614

They have a nice architectural motif going on on campus. I don't know why the hell colleges always seem to think STEM buildings need look like futuristic pieces of ****. Along with brutalist libraries (or brutalist anything). Good lord, some things just need to die.

Thanks for the pictures David. Old North looks great!

UCO Athletics received a $13.5 million donation. New baseball park planned with the funds. Amazing few years of fund raising.

http://bronchosports.com/news/2017/6/27/general-uco-athletics-receives-anonymous-13-5-million-donation.aspx

New mechanical building and progress on the STEM building...

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That new STEM building is going to be ugly.

That new STEM building is going to be ugly.

Sometimes the beauty is on the inside.

I have spend a lot of time on a lot of college campuses. I have yet to visit one college where everyone didn't complain about parking. Lol.

Agreed. As a former UCO student, I always saved time by automatically looking for parking in the farther out spaces rather than vulturing for the desirable spots. Kids need to adapt and quit bitching.

They broke ground on a Liberal Arts building addition this past November.

https://www3.uco.edu/press/prdetail.asp?NewsID=24192

At the UCO Spring Forum, President Betz announced a handful of new facilities that are either already under construction or will be starting soon:

Under Construction:
-Math/Science STEM Building- near 2nd Street and Garland Godfrey
-Liberal Arts Building Expansion- on east end of campus
-Athletics Training Center - football stadium endzone north campus.
-Baseball Field renovations with new turf and facility enhancements

Coming soon:
-New weightroom/locker room facility on the north end of Hamilton Fieldhouse
- New campus dining facility/conference facility. - This appears to be a three story structure that will be placed in front of the fieldhouse in the middle of the current Ayers street that runs through campus. There are plans to close the street completely as through street.

You can see pictures and hear more about the announcement here at the 34:50 mark
https://streaming.uco.edu/media/UCO+Spring+Forum+2018/1_5479f9l1

“here are plans to close the street completely as through street.”

Very disappointed to read that. Shortsighted move but not surprising coming from Oklahoma. It seems many cities there love to close through streets with no consideration of future traffic needs and movements through the city. Oh well, it’s just one street.

Its a college campus, not part of an urban street grid. Colleges across the country severely limit, if not prevent city traffic access for safety and campus walkability reasons.

No they don’t. I’ll respond with more later

I guess thats why roads have been closed or downgraded to winding combinations of small roads, alleys and parking lots in places such as Boulder, UCLA and South Bend. Campuses in urban areas such as many back east, Austin to some extent and other inner-city schools may be part of the grid and would be too disruptive to block streets. Campuses like we have in OK are in suburbs or smaller cities so streets generally go around the campuses or are very limited in size, length and use. This preserves the academic quality, reduces conflicts between bicyclists, pedestrians and cars, and allows streets to be converted to campus pedestrian malls and bike lanes. I fail to see how, on a non-urban campus this could possibly be seen as a negative. Go online and read papers written by entities such as the American Institute of Architecture supporting this. Its been done at OU with great success, Edmond has plenty of alternate streets and UCO is trying to promote a cohesive, walkable campus atmosphere - not one of a commuter college.

UCLA, Stanford, MIT, Berkley, Princeton, USC, etc. all have plenty of through streets. I live north of UCLA in Bel Air, so point out to me what street you're referring to that they closed because since I've moved here they haven't closed any and UCLA is always f@cked with traffic. I am considering attending classes there and I'm very familiar with that campus, more so than any major campus out there, even OU or UCO. Regardless what AIA supports, this is short sighted, IMO.

There are plenty of pedestrian only corridors in UCO, btw. How about they improve the ones they have because the existing ones are sh!t, tbh. They aren't inviting and feel nothing more than just a road that has been closed to vehicle traffic. Not every road needs to be closed for pedestrian and not every road means an area can't be walkable.

If Ayers is closed there won't be a single east to west corridor for an entire mile crossing UCO and University Dr. doesn't count. This is all right next to Edmond's downtown. Again, this is coming from someone who thinks Edwards St. should be extended to University Dr. and vehicular traffic restored on the previously closed portions to reconnect Campbell St. Once again, this can happen and the area can still be just as walkable as it is now. I also want Main St. restored and Hurd Street closed. This can even open up more opportunities for development and create a more vibrant atmosphere for the campus.

This isn't Santa Monica and pedestrian malls don't work everywhere. I'm not against making Edmond more walkable. Hell, I even support narrowing Broadway to two lanes and I want a street car system in Edmond(I don't usually support street cars in most cases but I do for Edmond) to connect it with UCO. I support tons of more bike lanes for this area. That is stuff they should be doing. Tearing out a street grid and eliminating cars won't make the campus better. It will cut off the east side of the campus with houses from Downtown Edmond and will likely stall that areas revival, which really needs it. Only exception is if the investment over there is public which I doubt will happen.

This is just such a shortsighted move and I can see the initial fun of it but enjoy the low traffic while it exists. All cities like OKC like to brag about not having any traffic and then can make irresponsible decisions by disconnecting street grids until you wake up one day and it is not fun anymore. I want cities to be more connected and I know of several instances where various places in Edmond alone are closing streets to cars(most of them being in suburban neighborhood developments around the city.

BTW, for anyone cheering on UCO and Edmond for trying to be more pedestrian friendly, let me remind you of the realities that they just tore down a beautiful--what I consider to be historic--building for a parking lot. They continue to add more parking as well and anecdotally , everyone I know or knew that went to UCO commuted by car there(even friends I made who were foreign students). I knew several people from Ivory Coast who I befriended awhile back and even though some lived as close as Chowning and DT Edmond, all commuted by car. Again, closing this street will do nothing to make the campus more walkable and will hinder city progress in this area, imo. Time will tell if I'm right or wrong.

It seems clear from the plans, that the goal is to turn the area Ayers goes through into the new central hub for on campus housing. With the new dining hall going in front of the field house, that will mean the old one will be demolished along with westhall at some point and a new dorm hall built there. The soccer field will probably also be redeveloped at some point with dorms.

“here are plans to close the street completely as through street.”

Very disappointed to read that. Shortsighted move but not surprising coming from Oklahoma. It seems many cities there love to close through streets with no consideration of future traffic needs and movements through the city. Oh well, it’s just one street.

Yeah, if Oklahoma is known for one thing, it’s closing streets to cars. Typical Oklahoma! Are there even any streets that allow cars left?!?

I haven't read through this whole thread, so maybe it's been discussed - or maybe it's already happened, I haven't been on the UCO campus in a couple of years - but I recently heard the group who was protesting the Land Run mural last year finally won and UCO will be having it removed and replaced with something else. I remember the mural and don't necessarily think it's a masterpiece, but I don't agree with it coming done because some group of busybodies find it "offensive."

Yeah, if Oklahoma is known for one thing, it’s closing streets to cars. Typical Oklahoma! Are there even any streets that allow cars left?!?

That’s funny. But I am noticing a trend of closing streets in OKC metro. I am not against every one(I even advocated for closing Paseo Dr.) but I think a lot of them should stay open.

I haven't read through this whole thread, so maybe it's been discussed - or maybe it's already happened, I haven't been on the UCO campus in a couple of years - but I recently heard the group who was protesting the Land Run mural last year finally won and UCO will be having it removed and replaced with something else. I remember the mural and don't necessarily think it's a masterpiece, but I don't agree with it coming done because some group of busybodies find it "offensive."

I hadn’t heard that. Been real disappointed in some of the decisions this school has been associated with as an alumnus.

UCLA, Stanford, MIT, Berkley, Princeton, USC, etc. all have plenty of through streets. I live north of UCLA in Bel Air, so point out to me what street you're referring to that they closed because since I've moved here they haven't closed any and UCLA is always f@cked with traffic. I am considering attending classes there and I'm very familiar with that campus, more so than any major campus out there, even OU or UCO. Regardless what AIA supports, this is short sighted, IMO.

There are plenty of pedestrian only corridors in UCO, btw. How about they improve the ones they have because the existing ones are sh!t, tbh. They aren't inviting and feel nothing more than just a road that has been closed to vehicle traffic. Not every road needs to be closed for pedestrian and not every road means an area can't be walkable.

If Ayers is closed there won't be a single east to west corridor for an entire mile crossing UCO and University Dr. doesn't count. This is all right next to Edmond's downtown. Again, this is coming from someone who thinks Edwards St. should be extended to University Dr. and vehicular traffic restored on the previously closed portions to reconnect Campbell St. Once again, this can happen and the area can still be just as walkable as it is now. I also want Main St. restored and Hurd Street closed. This can even open up more opportunities for development and create a more vibrant atmosphere for the campus.

This isn't Santa Monica and pedestrian malls don't work everywhere. I'm not against making Edmond more walkable. Hell, I even support narrowing Broadway to two lanes and I want a street car system in Edmond(I don't usually support street cars in most cases but I do for Edmond) to connect it with UCO. I support tons of more bike lanes for this area. That is stuff they should be doing. Tearing out a street grid and eliminating cars won't make the campus better. It will cut off the east side of the campus with houses from Downtown Edmond and will likely stall that areas revival, which really needs it. Only exception is if the investment over there is public which I doubt will happen.

This is just such a shortsighted move and I can see the initial fun of it but enjoy the low traffic while it exists. All cities like OKC like to brag about not having any traffic and then can make irresponsible decisions by disconnecting street grids until you wake up one day and it is not fun anymore. I want cities to be more connected and I know of several instances where various places in Edmond alone are closing streets to cars(most of them being in suburban neighborhood developments around the city.

BTW, for anyone cheering on UCO and Edmond for trying to be more pedestrian friendly, let me remind you of the realities that they just tore down a beautiful--what I consider to be historic--building for a parking lot. They continue to add more parking as well and anecdotally , everyone I know or knew that went to UCO commuted by car there(even friends I made who were foreign students). I knew several people from Ivory Coast who I befriended awhile back and even though some lived as close as Chowning and DT Edmond, all commuted by car. Again, closing this street will do nothing to make the campus more walkable and will hinder city progress in this area, imo. Time will tell if I'm right or wrong.

I'm very familiar with the UCLA campus so maybe you aren't old enough to remember. Nonetheless, it sounds like you are taking out out yet ankther anti-Oklahoma rant magnifying an insignificant action into something to use to just complain. As I mentioned, Edmond has plenty of other alternatives. I'm not familiar with all the school campuses you mentioned but at least with MIT, Princeton and likely, USC, they fall into that "urban campus" category I mentioned where the school fits into the city street grid. Suit it to say, school campuses are different and Oklahoma's have no real land problems so they choose the iconic pedestrian dominated campus where students can concern themselves more with studies, relaxing outdoor spots in the shade and not watching out for cars

I'm very familiar with the UCLA campus so maybe you aren't old enough to remember. Nonetheless, it sounds like you are taking out out yet ankther anti-Oklahoma rant magnifying an insignificant action into something to use to just complain. As I mentioned, Edmond has plenty of other alternatives. I'm not familiar with all the school campuses you mentioned but at least with MIT, Princeton and likely, USC, they fall into that "urban campus" category I mentioned where the school fits into the city street grid. Suit it to say, school campuses are different and Oklahoma's have no real land problems so they choose the iconic pedestrian dominated campus where students can concern themselves more with studies, relaxing outdoor spots in the shade and not watching out for carsNo I promise you I'm not. I care deeply about Oklahoma, it just frustrates me to see the city go this route by closing this road. This is virtually the only road that goes through campus. So that argument of the students having to worry about cars does not apply here.

This isn't a huge deal in the grand scheme of things and I understand that. Though Edmond doesn't have land issues and Oklahoma City is free to sprawl out as much as it wants, that isn't necessarily the best answer. But whatever. I'm not arguing this any further. I've made my point clear and besides this and the tearing down of Acadia Inn, UCO is doing a fine job of building out their campus and I am excited for the future of this school.

To be perfectly honest, Ayers between Chowning Ave and University Dr is already severely restricted through here, by design. It is only two lanes, has a ton of speed bumps, and the speed limit is set to 20mph. It doesn't handle much traffic at all compared to other nearby streets. There is just simply no overwhelming need for traffic to cross campus right here. As it is, Chowning handles a lot of traffic in and out of the campus to those northeastern parking lots, and as long as they keep Ayers open to the west of Chowning, the routes around campus will be more than sufficient to handle the traffic. I don't see the controversy in the slightest.

To be perfectly honest, Ayers between Chowning Ave and University Dr is already severely restricted through here, by design. It is only two lanes, has a ton of speed bumps, and the speed limit is set to 20mph. It doesn't handle much traffic at all compared to other nearby streets. There is just simply no overwhelming need for traffic to cross campus right here. As it is, Chowning handles a lot of traffic in and out of the campus to those northeastern parking lots, and as long as they keep Ayers open to the west of Chowning, the routes around campus will be more than sufficient to handle the traffic. I don't see the controversy in the slightest.
I completely agree. I drive around UCO daily and I will avoid driving through the middle of campus on Ayers at all cost. The speed bumps, stop signs and crosswalks make it virtually useless.

No they don’t. I’ll respond with more later

Sure they do. Lots of universities close streets to keep the cars away from the walkers. I believe University of Iowa is mostly closed and that started 40+ years ago. OU has reduced it's streets as well....remember when the oval was a road? OCU cut out through access with the new music building since it was built on top of the road (and created some very weird angled parking). Just a couple of examples off the top of my head, but it all comes down to anwwering is the street really a main thoroughfare (like Lindsey/Main i Norman) or is it just a "convenience" street? Convenience roads like this one in Edmond dont really have a reason to not close other than disconnecting parking lots. If you currently use it to drive through campus, you probably shouldn't be doing that anyway if you aren't a student.

Yep, OU just closed the south oval from traffic in the last 10 years. It was definitely a good move.

Yep, OU just closed the south oval from traffic in the last 10 years. It was definitely a good move.
Agreed. And to be honest, they could use a few more street closures around campus if they could get some more strategically placed garages built - but I don't see that happening any time soon, if ever.

Sure they do. Lots of universities close streets to keep the cars away from the walkers. I believe University of Iowa is mostly closed and that started 40+ years ago. OU has reduced it's streets as well....remember when the oval was a road? OCU cut out through access with the new music building since it was built on top of the road (and created some very weird angled parking). Just a couple of examples off the top of my head, but it all comes down to anwwering is the street really a main thoroughfare (like Lindsey/Main i Norman) or is it just a "convenience" street? Convenience roads like this one in Edmond dont really have a reason to not close other than disconnecting parking lots. If you currently use it to drive through campus, you probably shouldn't be doing that anyway if you aren't a student.
Completely different scenario and OU has through roads. My point remains valid that most universities have through roads and aren’t closing roads left and right like is being inferred here.

Just because OU close a road doesn’t change anything. I’m not familiar with OU so I can’t comment.