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.

Alumni Highlights

The Merket Alumni Center expansion is nearing completion. All the woodwork has been stained and finished in the new facility. The marketing offices have been mostly completed and the only thing lacking is the wiring. Installation of the bar was a success and it looks wonderful. A roof is being constructed over the rear loading dock and will be completed soon. The East Courtyard wall is finished and looks very nice. The footings for the outdoor gazebo have been poured and construction of the gazebo will begin in a couple of days.

Don’t forget to save the date for the Grand Opening taking place on June 19. Details will be posted soon on www.TexasTechAlumni.org.

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 $3.1 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.