March 4, 2021
Contact: Christian Basi, 573-882-4430, BasiC@missouri.edu
University of Missouri officials announced today the first phase implementation of the Space Reduction and Strategic Relocation Plan. Officials estimate that the plan will save the university more than $93.7 million in repair and maintenance work and more than $2.5 million in annual operating costs. Additionally, the Office of the University Registrar will begin phasing in a plan to expand the central scheduling of classes as a way to utilize the university’s remaining space in the most efficient manner possible.
“With evolving technology, we do not need as many buildings as we once did,” said Gary Ward, vice chancellor for Operations. “Additionally, our maintenance and repair backlog are now approximately $868 million. These actions will help us reduce that number significantly.”
As part of the plan, several buildings, including Parker, Read, Loeb and London halls, will be demolished. Additionally, Mizzou North, which currently houses the Museum of Art & Archaeology and the Museum of Anthropology, will be emptied. The museums' collections in Mizzou North will be moved to the central campus and portions of the collections will be on display in an Ellis Library gallery space.
Ward said the arts and humanities remain a research and educational priority on the campus. For example, one year ago, university officials celebrated the opening of the 47,000-square-foot, $24 million Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield Music Center.
While the Museum of Art & Archaeology and Museum of Anthropology collections will be on display in an Ellis Library gallery space, museum staff and supporters are working on a visioning process for the Museum of Art & Archaeology’s future.
“While the move will pose challenges and inevitable disruptions, this action brings the museums back to the central core of the campus,” said Pat Okker, dean of the College of Arts and Science. “We have already identified a leadership team of museum staff to lead the move back to campus, and we are all committed to having Ellis Library gallery space ready as soon as possible. During this transition, the museums will continue their excellent work regarding digital and online exhibits.”
In addition to the reduction in physical space, the Office of the Registrar eventually will be scheduling the majority of classrooms centrally. Currently, some departments, schools and colleges have sole control over certain classrooms. The new process will ensure that space is being used as efficiently as possible.
Details of the space utilization plan include:
- Mizzou North
- Vacate
- Continue the search for a buyer.
- Savings: $1.25 million in annual costs; $54.7 million removed from maintenance and repair budget.
- Parker Hall, Noyes Hall and Old Student Health Building
- Demolish
- Savings: $364,000 in annual costs; $12.8 million removed from maintenance and repair budget.
- Columbia Professional Building
- Demolish
- Savings: $120,000 in annual costs; $5.3 million removed from maintenance and repair budget.
- Read Hall
- Demolish
- Savings: $140,000 in annual costs; $4.3 million removed from maintenance and repair budget.
- Loeb Hall
- Demolish
- Savings: $98,000 in annual costs; $2.53 million removed from maintenance and repair budget.
- London Hall
- Demolish
- Savings: $98,000 in annual costs; $3.16 million removed from maintenance and repair budget.
- Neff Annex
- Demolish
- Savings: $134,000 in annual costs; $5 million removed from maintenance and repair budget.
As a result of these actions, some staff in other buildings, including those in Clark, Lewis, McReynolds and Middlebush halls could also experience location changes.
“Through this plan, we are eliminating space costs that allow more funds to be reinvested back into our research and educational missions,” Ward said.
“Evolving technology has made it possible for the university to continue to fulfill its missions during the pandemic,” said Marsha Fischer, vice president for Human Resources. “Additionally, candidates who have been applying to work at the university have expressed an interest in remote or hybrid work arrangements. Being an employer who can effectively offer and manage these alternatives to the traditional work space will help us continue to be competitive in recruiting top talent.”
