Merket Alumni Center Expansion Project Continues

Construction progresses on the Peggy and Bill Dean Expansion to Merket Alumni Center, set to be complete in Spring 2010.

Written by Chad Elrod

Alumni Highlights

The expansion of the Merket Alumni Center continues to progress quickly. In the past couple of weeks, a major portion of the Peggy and Bill Dean Grand Reception Hall entry way has been constructed. The roof is nearing completion and the first stages of stucco is being applied to the outside walls. The very first stages of air-conditioning ductwork are being installed in the new ballroom.

Texas Tech Alumni Association (TTAA) broke ground May 12 on the Peggy and Bill Dean Expansion to Merket Alumni Center and concrete evidence of construction is everywhere. View construction photos.

Scheduled to be completed in spring 2010, the expansion project will nearly double the present Merket Alumni Center by adding 10,694 square feet. A new, second entrance into the facility will open into the Peggy and Bill Dean Grand Reception Hall. Three new banquet/meeting rooms will be constructed on the west end of the building.

According to campaign fundraising chairperson Nelda Laney, the Building on Tradition capital drive that began last October has raised more than $2.6 million to date toward the $4 million project budget.

Other features in the addition include a new serving kitchen with storage; a new circulation, staging and planning office; a bride’s room and new restrooms. The existing kitchen will be remodeled into an office suite for the association’s marketing department. Two memorial groves will be planted on the grounds, and a second courtyard will be built to the east, featuring an outdoor gazebo.

Joe D. McKay of JDMA, Inc. is the architect for the project, Lee Lewis Construction, Inc. is the general contractor, and Ogallala Construction Management is serving as project manager.