During the spring semester new buildings began to take shape as Liberty University continues its major rebuilding project.
New home for the School of Communication & Creative Arts:
Over the summer, Liberty will continue to convert the former Tolsma Indoor Track in Marie F. Green Hall into administrative and academic space for the School of Communication & Creative Arts (SCCA). The Department of Theatre Arts, the Liberty University Art Gallery, and the Cinematic Arts Department are already located in Green Hall, so the new space will allow the entire SCCA to be housed under one roof. Recently, the Departments of Studio & Digital Arts and Digital Media & Communication Arts occupied space in DeMoss Hall. The first phase of construction will be completed in time for the Fall 2016 semester and will include offices, classrooms, digital media and computer labs, and art studios. Future plans may include an expanded art gallery as well as a new black box theater (a simple theater that is easily rearranged for various types of performances). Plans also call for moving both the student-run newspaper and radio station to Green Hall.
Student Center:
This fall, Liberty will unveil its new Student Center, attached to the back of DeMoss Hall. The 150,000-square-foot addition will span four stories and include a bowling alley, game rooms, billiards, and a food court featuring a teahouse, burgers, and Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. The center will also house student clubs and a number of student services.
New Footbridge:
Over Spring Break, a pedestrian footbridge was installed, connecting the DeMoss Student Center to the forthcoming Rawlings School of Divinity. Cranes hoisted the approximately 130-foot bridge 35 feet above Reber-Thomas Drive and connected it to the third floor of the new Student Center. On the opposite end, the bridge was fitted to a giant concrete abutment at the site of Freedom Tower, part of the new Rawlings School of Divinity.
Freedom Tower:
The tower has begun to take shape. At 275 feet, it will be the tallest structure in Lynchburg. An observation deck near the top will provide a 360-degree view of the area and a carillon of bells will include the university’s Liberty Bell replica. The base of the tower will house the Rawlings School of Divinity. Completion is scheduled for Fall 2017.
Concert Hall:
In June, Liberty will complete construction on a 1,600-seat fine arts concert hall, the crown jewel of the new Center for Music and the Worship Arts, which opened in part last fall. Following completion of the concert hall, a recording studio will be constructed on the north end of the center. When completed, the Center for Music and the Worship Arts will span two buildings and 141,000 square feet.
Read about the construction of new athletics facilities, including a pool and indoor track, football practice facility, Academic and Performance Center, and an expanded Equestrian center, in athletics news.
