11 May 2015 UCA holds groundbreakings for two construction projects

A parade of approximately 200 people, including the University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees, President Tom Courtway, faculty, staff, cheerleaders and the university jazz and pep bands, along with legislators, city officials, donors and well-wishers recently marched down Bruce Street from one groundbreaking ceremony to another.

The first groundbreaking was for the Lewis Science Center expansion, and the second was for the new Donaghey Hall.

“I’m not sure how many universities get to break ground on two major projects in one day,” said Brad Lacy, chairman of the board of trustees. “It is a great day for this institution. It is a great day for Conway.”

As part of the Lewis Science Center expansion groundbreaking, the board voted to name the expanded section of the building the Conway Corporation Center for Sciences in recognition of a $3 million gift from Conway Corporation, which was announced in December 2014. “One of the reasons the Lewis Science Center expansion is so important is that UCA needs to remain competitive for the top students,” said Richie Arnold, Conway Corporation CEO.

The Lewis Science Center expansion includes a 50,000-square-foot addition for teaching and laboratory space. Also included in the design are features allowing for significant improvements in equipment efficiency and energy utilization with LEED certification.

“We really appreciate the generosity of Conway Corporation for helping make this project come to fruition,” said Bobby Reynolds, board of trustees member. “After this project is finished, we will have a state-of-the-art facility that will attract some of the best and brightest students.”

Donaghey Hall will be a 67,500-square-foot, four-story, mixed-use building at the intersection of Bruce Street and Donaghey Avenue. The first floor will consist of approximately 15,000 square feet of commercial space. The upper floors will be residence hall space with 165 beds for sophomore- and junior-level students.

“These new buildings will be both exciting and transformative for the campus,” said Courtway. Both the Lewis Science Center expansion and Donaghey Hall were outlined in the Framework for the Future, a growth-plan introduced by Courtway in November 2013 during his presidential investiture.