UPLAND, Ind. — Taylor University has announced more details about a $100 million plan to update its campus and also improve the town of Upland.
The announcement comes one year after the university announced the "Taylor Thrives" five-year strategic plan. The plan lays the framework for infusing more than $100 million into capital improvement projects throughout the campus.
The improvement plan will not just benefit the university, but also the local community. Taylor received a $250,000 community planning grant early this year that brought local and university leaders together to discuss a strategic plan for improving the town.
Campus improvements will include a new 45,000-square-foot academic facility, called the Horne Academic Center, that will be home to Taylor's film and media arts program, as well as the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
In addition to the new academic center, existing campus buildings will also see upgrades. The Nussbaum Science Center will see its renovations begin next month and eventually be home to Taylor's new nursing school. A separate $2 million grant from the Don Wood Foundation helped enhance the school's engineering facilities. There are also plans for the school to update the Reade Liberal Arts Center.
The Hodson Dining Commons will see a full renovation under the new plan. A new food venue near the university library is expected to double the school's dining capacity.
Last week, Taylor also broke ground on a new "Residential Village" that will feature apartment-style housing for upperclassmen and graduate students.
Taylor will also have a new look to the front of its campus. A new 20,000+-square-foot admissions and alumni office will welcome visitors and students to campus.
Finally, Taylor's athletic facilities will also be given upgrades. The university plans to renovate Odle Arena and continue construction on the Stillman Fieldhouse, which is called a state-of-the-art workout facility for athletes.