A new academic building, consisting of approximately 215,000 square feet is being planned for construction on the northwest corner of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus across from the Clow Social Science Center on High Ave. The site is currently occupied by the Facilities Management Center, which will be demolished as part of this project.
The new academic building will house the instructional, academic support and community service development programs for the College of Business Administration. Several departments in the College of Letters and Science will also be moved to the new building. These departments include: Geography & Urban Planning, History, Journalism, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology as well as the African American Studies, Environmental Studies, International Studies, Social Justice, and Women’s Studies programs.
Approximately 46,200 square feet is planned to provide 31 general assignment classrooms including two 260-seat auditoriums. Other spaces to be provided include general assignment computer labs, department instructional and research labs, student study/support space, shared conference rooms, project/grant workrooms, student organization space, offices and support functions, and a dining services café.
In compliance with the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is being prepared for the project. The EIS will review impacts related to the construction of the New Academic Building and demolition of the Facilities Management Center.
A scoping meeting will be held April 10 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 221 of Reeve Memorial Union, 748 Algoma Blvd. The purpose of this meeting is to provide general information about the project, solicit early public and agency input to determine the scope of issues to be addressed in the EIS, and identify any significant issues or concerns.
Opportunities for oral and written comments will be provided at the scoping meeting. Comments may also be directed to Connie White, HNTB Corporation, (608) 294-5006 or cmwhite@hntb.com.
Comments will be considered in the development of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) if submitted during the public comment period, which ends April 26. The EIS process will include future opportunities for public input, including a public meeting on the DEIS, a public hearing on the Final Environmental Impact Statement and related public comments periods.