A recently developed master plan for the university’s campus includes ideas for new dorms, increased parking, and renovations to buildings such as the Campus Center.

Members of The Collaborative Inc. presented a master plan that includes expansions and revisions and numerous areas around Otterbein’s campus. These areas include student housing, athletic facilities, and other common areas.

The Collaborative Inc. is a national design firm which has previously worked with 50 other institutions on design and development plans ranging from specific facilities to entire campuses. Among those which they have worked with are institutions such as Baldwin-Wallace University, Ohio Wesleyan University, and currently Capital University and Kalamazoo College in Michigan.

“Our goal is to develop campus facilities so they align with school’s plan,” said Phillip Enderle, Landscape Architect and Senior Associate at The Collaborative Inc., “This will hopefully improve pedestrian activity and enhance the campus of Otterbein as people bike, drive, and walk up and down Main Street.”.

The master plan involves major additions and renovations to many of the current campus housing residencies. For instance, Davis Hall would stay but be renovated, whereas Garst Hall, Engle Hall, and Scott Hall would be demolished and replaced with new student housing. A three-story building containing 50-75 beds per building, and 275 parking spots would replace the existing residences.

“Student housing buildings are looking a little tired. These changes would create more lounge space and single (rooms) which are wanted,” stated Enderle.

In addition to the custom dormitory residencies, the option for additional theme houses is up for discussion These residencies would likely be developed as long as vacant lots are included in the process with renovations done near Roush Hall.

“The current Campus Center is sound structurally, which means (there will be) renovation for it as is,” Enderle said. “Included with this would be parking expansion on the east side, (and) in turn demolishing the health center.”

The Collaborative Inc. proposed changes for music and performing arts buildings as well. “We are looking at maintaining much of the current Battelle Fine Arts Center, but adding parking and offices,” said Mike DiNardo, architect with The Collaborative Inc.

The renovation of Battelle would allow for a new midsize theatre that would seat 350-400 people.

The master plan also includes changes for athletic facilities. The Rike Center would be renovated to allow for three separate basketball courts. Memorial Stadium, home to Cardinal football, lacrosse, and outdoor track & field would be improved with a synthetic turf field, surrounded by a new running track. The current baseball and softball diamonds would be relocated farther back onto different property, thus pushing parking back to expand parking space and improve traffic flow among all the athletic facilities.

To lessen the gap between the Art and Communications building and the main campus, the current Art and Communications buildings would receive additional space.

“Another option has been presented to the board to obtain the Ameri-Cheer building across the street,” DiNardo said. “This would clear the way for the art and communication departments to have their own buildings.”

For buildings off campus, such as the Center for Equine Studies there are also changes in store. The current equine center and science facilities would gain additional new horse stalls and a riding range.

The Provost’s and President’s Houses would see minor renovations or additions. For instance the Provost House would only experience minor expansions for an increase in private space.

“This would allow for alumni and donors to be invited to wine and dine events and the public could possibly rent it out as well,” Enderle said.

Mike DiNardo said that none of these plans are set in stone, and the project would be completed in phases.

“These are just broad concepts as a starting point, (to be possibly completed) usually a 2-5 year or 5-10 year window,” DiNardo said. “Some concepts will stay, some will go away, just depends what will be presented in the feedback.”

For more information on these Campus Master Plans, there will be numerous focus groups meeting in the O-Club located at Memorial Stadium on Wednesday Feb. 8 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. After the original master plans are presented to the Otterbein University board on February 25th, there will be an open forum of these plans which is set to take place in March.