UMKC students can expect a transformed campus with advanced construction projects across the metro, with the 51st Street between Cherry Street and Rockhill Road already underway.
Announced in April, this plan includes a Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building, a St. Joseph School of Dentistry Campus, a Foodiverse, a Miller Nichols Library Renovation and a 51st Street Pedestrian Plaza.
51st Street Pedestrian Plaza
The renovations to the 51st Street area will include street art, activity spaces and lounging areas. During construction, 51st Street between Cherry Street and Rockhill Road will be closed periodically. To help keep traffic manageable, 53rd Street between Holmes Road and Charlotte Street will change from one-way to two-way traffic.
“I like to see the improvements to the campus,” says junior Julian Scholl. “I’m just not sure yet if it will contribute to a more cohesive student experience.”
New stop signs and traffic control methods will be implemented to ensure pedestrian safety. The project is expected to end in the fall.
Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building
Construction is set to launch on September 11 and the facility will house several science programs such as the School of Medicine’s simulation and learning labs.
Ahead of groundbreaking, surface parking at 25th Street and Charlotte Street will close. Parking will be redirected to the 24th and Charlotte Street garage where an ID will be required.
St. Joseph School of Dentistry Campus
This $14.5 million project has a goal of expanding the accessibility of medicinal education to more rural communities.
This project has been underway since April and has been progressing smoothly to hit its target opening date of June 2025.
Foodiverse
The Foodiverse will aim to give the “experience [of] a food-parlor dining experience” that will be closer to the dorms and upcoming Volker Campus KC Streetcar stop.
In this new location, there are plans to host a full-service Starbucks and Chick-Fil-A alongside a variety of food options “from vegetarian to pizza”.
Construction began in June of this year and the project has a set opening of January 2025, at which point, the Atterbury dining services will close for renovations. Through construction, Atterbury services will remain open.
“I think it’s a great idea to consolidate the food into one place,” said senior Joe Pautler. “I just wish it had a better name.”
Miller Nichols Renovations
These renovations include spaces for supplemental instruction, tutoring, the Peer Academic Leadership (PAL) team and resources for First Gen Roos, according to the Office of the Chancellor.
The construction will be on the fourth floor of the Library, which is currently closed, and the second floor of the building is the new silent study floor.
UMKC Tutoring has been moved to the Atterbury Success Center, Room 236 for the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters. The project is anticipated to open in the fall 2025 semester.
