Campus Construction Projects Aim to Improve Student Experience
Photos taken by Ray Wisda
Written By: Ray Wisda
TOLEDO, Ohio – Students returning to campus this fall have likely noticed construction activity inside the Student Union and along Stadium Drive near the Student Recreation Center. While the projects serve different purposes, university officials say both are designed to improve campus facilities and support future student needs.
Inside the Student Union, renovations are underway on the first floor as part of the university’s long-term initiative. The project includes a larger student lounge and gaming area, updated student organization spaces, a renovated office suite for the Dean of Students, and additional open lounge areas.
A major feature of the renovation is a circulation improvement connecting the corridor outside Chick-fil-A and Tru Burger to the atrium near Frogtown and the switchback ramp. University officials say the goal is to create a more accessible and connected space for students.
The project began shortly after Spring Commencement and is scheduled to be completed before the start of the spring semester.
University officials stated that parking and pedestrian access have not been significantly affected by the construction in the Student Union. Dining locations and other businesses within the building have remained open throughout construction.
Temporary partitions have been installed around the work area to maintain safety. According to the university, no safety issues or complaints have been reported during the renovation process.
Near the Recreation Center, a separate construction project is focused on upgrading critical underground utility infrastructure. Crews are installing an at-grade utility tunnel beneath the sidewalk on the east side of Stadium Drive, stretching from the entrance of Lot 5 to the Recreation Center.
The new tunnel will house steam and condensate lines connected to the university’s heating system. Workers are also installing chilled water supply and return lines that support the campus cooling system.
University officials said the utility lines have experienced multiple failures in recent years, making upgrades necessary. Reliability improvements were a major factor in launching the project.
Construction on Stadium Drive has caused temporary traffic adjustments throughout the semester; however, officials expect the road to return to normal two-way traffic soon, with final paving work scheduled during fall break.
Funding for the project came from the second tranche of capital improvements approved by the Board of Trustees in September 2025 as part of the university’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan.
Full completion is expected between late October and mid-November.
Although students may not notice many visible changes once work is finished, university officials say the upgraded infrastructure will provide more reliable heating and cooling services to most campus buildings. The Student Union renovations are expected to deliver new gathering spaces, improved traffic flow, and additional resources for students when they are unveiled in January.
