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 is rapidly progressing. The wood floor in the banquet hall has been removed along with the ceiling tiles. A sprinkler system is being installed as is plumbing, electrical and AC ductwork.

The storage closet and kitchen have had the interior walls removed and the space is being transitioned into the new marketing suite. The cement is being sanded and prepped for flooring installation.

The catering office has been removed and the area is currently being remodeled into a hallway. The stucco work on the outside of the new addition continues to go as planned.

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.

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.

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 here.

According to campaign fundraising chairperson Nelda Laney, the Building on Tradition capital drive that began last October has raised more than $2.8 million to date toward the $4 million project budget.

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.

In order to finish the expansion, The Merket Alumni Center will be closed from Dec. 22 through the end of May 2010. However, the Frazier Alumni Pavilion will be open for business as usual.

There are still numerous opportunities for you to support this project. Please visit www.MerketExpansion.com for more information.