April 2, 1998

Katie Ward, Staff Writer

Plans to build a parking deck on campus have been temporarily put on hold, said Jane Helm, Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs.

The original plans consisted of a $5.6 million budget that would build a new deck in front of the Raley Hall business building.

The deck would be able to house around 500 cars, about 300 more than the present space allows.
 
However, several factors will postpone construction.

Architects recently discovered that the rock bed under the soil was thicker than expected, sending the cost up.

However, according to Helm, the unexpected ground problem was not the largest obstacle.

In short, the project could not have been completed within the proposed budget, Helm said.

However, the university is making additional plans to alleviate parking congestion.

These plans include the purchasing of an old tobacco warehouse off of Rivers Street.

This purchase will be used to provide additional parking spaces.

Helm said that the proposed site can provide more spaces than the parking deck; however it is further from campus.

“We do not know that we will not still build a deck,” Helm said.  “But we have no plans at this time.”

The university is continuing in their home improvement efforts with several upcoming construction projects.

The proposed residence hall would house the Living and Learning Center of Watauga College.

This residence hall may take the place of the existing Chancellor’s home.

However, no plans have been made regarding the relocation of the Chancellor, Helm said.

Other university purchases include a Methodist church, which will be used as a visual arts center.

However, Helm said that no plans have been finalized.

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