From making campus roads smoother and safer to introducing state-of-the-art buildings to the community, it was a busy summer for Facilities Management, which successfully completed major renovations and improvements to campus.

The biggest achievements in construction this summer include:

Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation
The Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design officially presented its newest facility at the end of August. A team of designers developed an entirely innovative and unique mass timber structure that celebrates Arkansas forests and promotes sustainable construction efforts.

The new building will serve as both a hub for design and construction opportunities offered to U of A architecture students and a research and development lab for affordable housing efforts across the state and region, utilizing new construction technologies.

Maple Street Project – Phase One
In partnership with the City of Fayetteville, the university stayed busy this summer completing the first phase of the Maple Street Safety and Accessibility Project. This initial work focused on the stretch between Gregg Street and Leverett Avenue, laying the groundwork for even more improvements coming next summer.

The finished product will feature a full enhancement to one of the most visited streets on campus, including improved crosswalks, updated driving lanes, added green space along the road and the addition of a dedicated bicycle lane. The bicycle lane is expected to be completed later this semester.

Phase two of construction will take place in the summer of 2026 and will close Maple Street between Garland Avenue and Leverett Avenue, including the Maple-Leverett intersection for the duration of the summer. The project is expected to be completed by the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

HPER Renovations
In partnership with University Recreation, FAMA looked to update the university's Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building (HPER) and spent the last year creating a new and improved fitness space by adding state-of-the-art equipment, turf training zones and modernized amenities for a premier health and wellness experience on campus.

The renovations also included updated locker rooms, office space, automated turnstiles and a completely redesigned outdoor entryway off Stadium Drive.

Updated Dining Areas
The Founders food hall has been newly renovated for the fall semester and now includes two new dining locations, Pho U and The Drove smoothies. Where the Wild Green AR in the Arkansas Union has a new look this year with updated finishes, serving area and new seating that includes booths.

Every project is designed, planned and constructed to help achieve the university's goals of student success, research excellence and enhancing its reputation as an employer of choice.

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About Facilities Management: University of Arkansas Facilities Management strives to build, maintain and uphold a campus environment that positions students, faculty and staff to succeed in their academic aspirations, while providing excellent service and an exceptional campus experience for visitors and the surrounding community.