Photos provided by Brendan Hawkins

Regents viewed these images of plans for the new residential hall and Learning Commons at their recent meeting.

Murray State President Bob Jackson said the designs for a new residential hall and Learning Commons are complete, and the bid for the project will be made “in the days ahead.”

Both the Learning Commons and residential hall are proposed to be 83,370 square feet and are planned to be built to the north of Hart and east of Hester, on the former Springer Hall lot.

Angela Lampe, assistant director of Facilities Management, said the Learning Commons will have a first floor of dining options, large and private study spaces, a large classroom and meeting room capable of holding 120 people for instruction, club activities, etc.

The first floor of the Learning Commons is planned to function as housing as well, holding 26 beds. The second floor will hold 70 beds, while the third holds 78 and the fourth will hold 80.

Student Regent Brendan Hawkins asked Lampe what kind of dining options students should expect, such as a “T-Room or Winslow set-up.”

“No, I think it would be more like counter-service,” Lampe said. “(Racer) Dining has been polling some of the students, and what they want is loud and clear. Options like CookOut, burgers, chicken, fries. So that’s what they’re exploring right now.”

Lampe also said any student will be able to use the facilities on the first floor of the Learning Commons, but they will just have to check in at the front desk like any other residential college.

Jackson said the new residence hall and Learning Commons is needed and will replace “old housing stock.” He also said the project will be bid on “in the days ahead.”

Facilities Management Director Jason Youngblood said design is “pretty well down the road” and expects a bid by the summer.