While you were away this summer, the University of New Hampshire has been expanding their buildings and creating new spaces for students to spend their time on campus.
Hamel Rec.
The gym opening will take place in two phases. Three different areas of fitness equipment will be available for use in the fall. As a part of the second phase, set for completion by the spring semester, there will be a total of five fitness areas. The two MAC courts will have new wood floors and permanent, retractable goals, while the three third floor basketball courts will remain unchanged. Campus Recreation is partnering with Health Services to utilize space for various programs such as nutrition consulting and small support group meetings. $35.5 million
Hamilton Smith
‘Ham Smith’ Hall is the University of New Hampshire’s most heavily used classroom building and is also the oldest academic building that has not been renovated in the past 30 years. The new design will provide entrances from the ravine and on each side of the building, as well as an entrance from a new pedestrian bridge. The bridge will connect Ham Smith directly to Library Way, a heavily traveled pedestrian route on campus. The completed project will be 76,000 square feet and is expected by spring 2017. $37 million
Holloway Commons
Holloway commons, the biggest dining hall on campus, recently increased its seating capacity by 365 seats. This was done to help relieve frequent overcrowding and also to prepare for future increases in dining plan holders. The expansion included two new seating areas. Additionally, the check-in was expanded to facilitate the flow of students into the dining hall, especially during peak rush hours. The renovation was completed earlier this year and included new finger-print scanning technology, a new layout and a $17,000 LED table. $10.5 million
Outdoor Pool
UNH’s Outdoor Pool opened August 19, 2016 as part of a celebration commemorating the 1938 opening of the old UNH pool. The pool has a zero depth entry, swim lanes and plenty of space for free wading and paddling. It is also heated seasonally, to justify its existence in the state of New Hampshire. The pool’s surrounding area is spacious to allow for relaxation and is complete with restrooms and a bathhouse. It is anticipated to be open seasonally June 15 to September 15 each year, and will welcome all ages, with free access for UNH students. $6.5 million
Wildcat Stadium
The stadium is opening in September with a Wildcat football game versus the Holy Cross Crusaders. The new stadium will provide more space at the games, adding approximately 5,200 new seats. The new seating area will include Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art broadcast capabilities as well as bathrooms, concessions and a special student section. The stadium is planned to unveal itself to the UNH commutity sometime between the start of the 2016 fall semester and 2016’s Homecoming celebration. $25 million
