The Fogelman College of Business and Economics will finally have a front entrance in September of this year.
"It never had an entrance," said John Pepin, dean of the college of business. "Actually, it has four entrances, but it never had a front."
Construction began June 18 on a $1.25 million upgrade to the facility's exterior which includes a pronounced front entrance on Innovation Drive, a courtyard with walled seating and bistro tables, along with a trellised garden and a fountain.
The two-tiered fountain will be a focal point of the courtyard and will sit at the end of a sloping expanse of grass. Improvements are also being made to make the building more accessible with a new wheelchair ramp at the front entrance and a ramp leading down to the courtyard.
Four anonymous donors gave Fogelman College the bulk of the funds with the dean's office and The University of Memphis administration giving money to the project as well.
Pam Cash, facilities coordinator, said the money donated was specifically for this project.
"The funds cover construction costs, architect fees and any contingencies that may come up," Cash said.
Pepin said the update to the building would help Fogelman compete with other business schools for money.
"There are business schools receiving millions of dollars," Pepin said. "To compete with those facilities - this building is 37 plus years - we have to renovate. We've redone the inside."
Fogelman College, which sits at the corner of Patterson Street and Central Avenue, is also a gateway to The University, Pepin said.
The project is expected to be completed on Sept. 8.
The fall semester begins August 27, but Pepin said the construction would not disrupt classes.
"Ripping things out gets noisy," Pepin said. "But it'll be less and less noisy, and it'll just be a few more days of this."
In the meantime, construction has had an impact on summer school students and staff members at the college. Some classes had to be relocated last week because of the construction noise, said junior marketing major Ryan Hall.
"It was so noisy but we moved the next day," Hall said. "It's a hassle getting to class. You can't just walk straight into Fogelman."
Dennis Morgan, a junior economics major, said he felt frustrated with the construction.
"It's frustrating trying to get to the computer lab, and don't even try to get to your advisor," Morgan said.
Despite his irritation at navigating around the building, he said he looked forward to seeing the completed project.
"It should be really pretty with the fountain and gardens," Morgan said.
To get to her office on the fourth floor of the Fogelman College of Business and Economics, PhD admissions coordinator Jackie Woodall must enter through the FedEx Institute of Technology. She takes the elevator to the third floor and then crosses the walkway to the Fogelman building. She then takes another elevator to the fourth floor.
"It's inconvenient," said Woodall, who, because she has multiple sclerosis, uses a wheelchair. "I could enter from the other end, but you have to come up a hill and it's a lot more difficult."
To help with accessibility during construction, a new temporary sidewalk allowing access to the first floor bathrooms will be laid over the weekend. Until then, signs will be placed in the first floor of Fogelman directing students and staff to the bathrooms at the FedEx Institute.
Pepin retires on June 29 but said he will be back once the update is complete at Fogelman.
"Maybe someone could send me pictures," Pepin said.
