Donor support makes projects like these possible for our campus. Find out what difference you can make for future Ichabods.
Learn more at the Washburn University Foundation onlineIt is an exciting time to be an Ichabod. Two major projects are underway and several soon will begin that will move the campus of Washburn University forward.
Morgan Hall will be renovated beginning in February 2014 to become Washburn University's "front door."
Morgan Hall has served as both an academic and administrative hub since it opened in 1956. The multimillion dollar renovation will result in a 21st Century space all Ichabods -- past, current and future -- will be proud of. A new one-stop center will enable students to apply for admission, meet with an advisor and register for classes, learn about scholarships and other financial aid, pay tuition and more.
A new plaza on the building's north side, facing 17th Street, will make Morgan Hall and the Welcome Center the obvious front door of campus. The new Welcome Center is expected to be dedicated in 2015 in celebration of the university's sesquicentennial.
Find out more about how you can contribute to the new Welcome Center at Morgan Hall. | Read about the project in the Ichabod magazine.
As part of the City of Topeka's Capitol Improvement Program, 17th Street – from
MacVicar to Washburn avenues at the front door of Washburn's campus – will be widened to three lanes and resurfaced.
The new 17th Street corridor will feature sidewalks and a boulevard between Mulvane Street and Jewell Avenue with landscaped planters. Additional enhancements include new lighting, new storm sewers and inlets and irrigation. Washburn will be responsible for maintenance and care of the planters. Road construction will be accomplished in two phases. The first, from Washburn to College avenues, is expected to be completed in July, 2013. The second phase, from MacVicar to College avenues, should be completed in December.
The visitor parking lot in front of Morgan Hall will be accessible throughout construction. From May to July, please plan to access the parking lot at Boswell Avenue. From August to December, access the lot via College Avenue.
The project budget of $2.46 million was approved by the Topeka City Council on March 5, 2013 on a 9-0-0 vote.
View images of this project's progress | Learn more from the City of Topeka Engineering Department
A major energy efficiency upgrade is underway at Washburn. Virtually all campus facilities will receive upgrades to lighting, heating and air conditioning and water fixtures in the next 20 months. The campus-wide effort is expected to cause minimal disruption to the learning environment. It should be completed in fall of 2014. In addition to reducing the overall carbon footprint of our campus, these energy upgrades are expected to save $618,000 in utility costs annually. It will also offset the amount of deferred maintenance projects on campus.
The project will enhance the classroom experience by improving lighting and ensuring a more even indoor temperature throughout campus.
Learn more about this project | Visit the Trane website on progress of the project
Construction of the Welcome Center at Morgan Hall is expected to begin in February 2013 and be completed in 2015.
Your contribution matters. Learn how you can support the Welcome Center.
Energy efficiency upgrades - happening now. Work on the Memorial Union cooling system, pictured, is underway.
Check on a specific buildingImprovements to 17th Street began May 13 and will continue until July in the area from Washburn Avenue to west of College Avenue. The area from College to MacVicar Avenues is expected to be under construction from July to December.
View a map of the project's phases