Witness the Thriving Construction on Washington and Lee University's Campus
Dining Venue Renovations – John W. Elrod Commons
In October 2023, the renovations to the Elrod Commons dining facilities commenced and were successfully completed in August 2024. This transformation has completely reshaped the dining experiences at both venues. The first phase, which focused on extensive renovations and updates to Café 77 and Marketplace food service areas, was finished in August 2023. Subsequently, in August 2024, the second phase was completed. This phase involved expanding the Marketplace dining room and creating additional outdoor terrace seating for Café 77. The attention to detail and the quality of the renovations have enhanced the overall dining atmosphere on campus.The changes have not only improved the physical spaces but have also led to an improved flow of service and a more inviting environment for students and staff. The new layouts and amenities have received positive feedback from the university community, making dining at Elrod Commons an even more enjoyable experience.Wilson Field
During Summer 2024, Wilson Field underwent significant updates to its playing and track surfaces. The work was completed in mid-September, ensuring that the field is now in top condition for various sports activities. The improvements have enhanced the performance and safety of the field, providing athletes with a better playing environment.These updates have been crucial for the university's sports programs, allowing teams to train and compete at a higher level. The attention to detail in the surface renovations has also contributed to the overall aesthetic appeal of the field, adding to the campus's charm.New Williams School Building
The construction of the new Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics building is progressing as scheduled. Since the last update in August, the exterior of the building has taken on a distinct shape and is nearing completion. The installation of exterior brick and finishing materials, as well as the exterior windows, is in full swing. The roof is almost finished, and permanent electricity will be introduced in January 2025.As the exterior construction nears its conclusion, the interior build-out is also making significant progress. The start of interior finishes and the integration of the building's mechanical and electrical systems are ongoing. The stairways have been completed, and the elevator installation will follow in the next month. This comprehensive approach to construction ensures that the new Williams School will be a state-of-the-art facility upon its completion.Lindley Center for Student Wellness
The Lindley Center construction is on track for a Fall 2025 opening. It has caught up to the same production timeline as the new Williams School building. After the installation of structural steel in September, the Lindley Center structure has quickly taken shape. The exterior brick cladding has begun, and all windows have been installed. The interior framing is complete, and the installation of mechanical and electrical systems is ongoing.In the coming months, drywall will be introduced, further shaping the facility. The Lindley Center is set to become a vital hub for student wellness, providing a range of facilities and services to support the physical and mental health of students.Washburn (Lower) Tennis Courts
Starting in Summer 2025, the university will begin improving the Washburn Tennis Courts, which are located directly beneath the University Footbridge. The courts will be taken down to grade and reconstructed with a new playing surface. The renovated surface will convert additional courts from singles-only to doubles and will include markings to accommodate pickleball.This renovation project will enhance the tennis facilities on campus, providing students and staff with more opportunities for recreational activities. The addition of pickleball courts will also attract a wider range of users and contribute to the overall fitness and well-being of the university community.Special Collections
The Special Collections area of the University Library, including the archives reading room and staff working spaces, is scheduled for renovation starting in Spring 2025. The renovation is pending approval from the Board of Trustees in February. Once approved, these spaces will be temporarily closed until September 2025.The renovation of the Special Collections area is an important step in preserving and enhancing the university's historical and cultural resources. The detailed planning and execution of this project will ensure that the collections are well-protected and accessible for future generations.For continuous updates on the university's capital projects, please visit the Capital Projects update page on the University Facilities website.Key Information for Drivers
Drivers need to be well-informed about the construction zones and associated speed limits. It is crucial to remember that the speed limit in construction zones is 55 mph. Additionally, the listed closures are non-consecutive, which means that drivers may encounter varying traffic conditions depending on the specific time and day.Northbound Side Closures
On the northbound side of Highway 101, there are specific closures during certain time periods. Between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. on Sunday nights, one lane between Santa Monica Road and Hermosillo Drive, along with the on- and off-ramps at North Padaro Lane and South Padaro Lane, is closed. Similarly, on Monday to Thursday nights, from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., these same areas are closed. This allows crews to work on the pavement without disrupting traffic during the day.During the day, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, one lane between Santa Claus Lane and Ortega Hill Road, along with the on- and off-ramps at Santa Claus Lane, Padaro Lane, Lillie Avenue, and Ortega Hill Road, is closed. This is to enable crews to finish striping on the new northbound lanes.Southbound Side Closures
On the southbound side, between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Sunday nights, one lane between Cabrillo Boulevard and Carpinteria Avenue, along with the off- and on-ramps at North Padaro Lane, the off-ramp at South Padaro, and the on-ramp at Santa Claus Lane, is closed. From Monday to Thursday nights, between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., these same areas are also closed. These closures are necessary to ensure the smooth progress of the construction work.Via Real Repaving Project
The stretch of Via Real between Cravens Lane and the Motel 6 will be undergoing repaving and restriping between December 13 and January 3. This work will take place on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Traffic delays can be expected during this period, and the city of Carpinteria has suggested Foothill Road/State Route 192 as alternate routes. This project is an important part of the overall infrastructure improvement efforts in the area.For more information on the Highway closures, visit sbroads.com. For more information on the Via Real project, visit carpinteriaca.gov/repaving-via-real-to-begin-this-week.Unlock the Potential of Minneapolis Condo Living
Multifamily Construction Dwindling
At a time when multifamily construction is on the decline, leaving potential buyers with limited choices, the four-story Fletcher at Linden Hills emerges as a beacon of hope. The most recent major condo projects in the city, such as the Eleven on the River in the Mill District and Four Seasons Private Residences in downtown Minneapolis, both broke ground in 2019. Since then, the market has seen a shift, with developers focusing more on luxury rentals, especially in the suburbs. During the past year, even rental building projects have seen a significant pullback due to higher mortgage rates and construction costs.
Last week, Housing First Minnesota reported that in November, developers pulled only enough permits to build 196 rentals, a 45% decrease from the previous month. Meanwhile, builders pulled 660 permits for single-family homes, a 15% increase from the same time last year. This year, housing construction has plummeted compared to previous years. In the first 11 months, cities issued permits for 7,700 houses and apartments, about half as many as two years ago. And among this total, only 1,840 are multifamily units, accounting for less than a quarter of planned home building in the metro.
Strong Demand for Larger Units
Steve Sohre, broker/owner of the Realty House, has been marketing the Fletcher project since July. With no new construction in the area for several years, he remains optimistic that buyers will come forward. Demand for the larger units has been particularly robust, with about two-thirds of the penthouse units already reserved. “There’s not much product out there for them. They want something larger. They can’t fit into 1,300 or 1,400 square feet,” he said. “It was a bit uncertain how the market would react, but the appetite is clearly there.”
Ken Raskin and Lynn Lederman are among those looking to make a move. They plan to sell their suburban Golden Valley home and move to Linden Hills to a new construction condo where they currently stand. This shows the allure of the Fletcher project and its potential to attract buyers seeking an alternative to downtown Minneapolis.
Desirable Location and Appeal
Mary Bujold, president of Maxfield Research, a real estate research and consulting firm, believes that despite the challenges facing the condo market, the Fletcher project’s location makes it highly appealing. It offers buyers an option that combines the charm of a south Minneapolis neighborhood with the luxury of upscale condos. This unique combination is likely to attract those who want a different living experience in the city.
The Fletcher at Linden Hills is not just a building; it’s a symbol of the evolving Minneapolis condo market. With its potential to bring a significant number of upscale condos to the area, it could have a lasting impact on the local real estate landscape. As developers seek final approval and potential buyers eagerly await, the future of this project holds great promise.