When evaluating plans for expansion, one of UW-Madison's priorities is constructing a greener, denser campus. In order to achieve this goal, university officials further detailed plans to build upward and replace low-rise buildings at a Southeast Campus Area Committee meeting Monday.
\One of the studies done was to see how much the university could grow without expanding our boundaries. At the same time, we're looking to add 50 to 60 acres of green space,"" Associate Vice Chancellor Alan Fish said.
One method to add space is through replacing surface parking lots with multi-level parking garages. One of the areas to receive a new parking structure is the current location of the Humanities Building. Other areas to see new parking structures include Union South, Steenbock Library and UW Hospital.
Another method to free up more space for expansion will be to replace the current University Square with a 12-story student center by Aug. 2009. University Square will remove the adjacent surface lot for additional meeting space.
""Creating more density on campus is something I've just been thrilled about. I'm really excited about this plan,"" Ald. Austin King, District 8, said.
In terms of adding more green space, UW-Madison plans to set back buildings along University Avenue and West Johnson Street and line the additional space with trees.
Pedestrian overpasses may also cross both West Johnson Street and University Avenue at the sites of a new Union South and the new 750,000 square foot Wisconsin Institute for Discovery.
""An overpass across West Johnson Street would vastly improve the current situation of students just overflowing into the street between classes,"" Fish said. ""Plans to add a mid-block light on University Avenue at University Square are also under consideration.""
The Southeast Campus Coordinating Committee will present the comprehensive Campus Master Plan to the UW System Board of Regents Dec. 8. Other changes to campus include eliminating Wendt Library, Ogg Hall, the Peterson Building, Humanities Building and restoring Sterling Hall, the Human Ecology Building and the Education Building.
""Basically we are tearing down the buildings built between 1950 and 1970 and restoring the 100-year-old ones that truly shape our campus,"" Fish said.
