University holds twin ribbon-cuttings, celebrates new student spaces

Carson-Newman University is offering a new home for students in the form of recently completed West Campus Commons, as well as a new student recreation park. Two, Nov. 1 ribbon-cuttings officially marked the dedication of the facilities.

“Ribbon-cuttings always represent newness and progress,” said University President Charles A. Fowler. “Therefore, having an opportunity to celebrate two in one day is very exciting for the entire Carson-Newman family. Both the West Campus Commons and the Recreation Park will create spaces where students will gather, community will be shared, and mission of Carson-Newman will be advanced. Thankfully, both of these projects raise the bar of excellence for residence life and recreation on Carson-Newman’s campus.”

Standing at 110,000 sq. feet, West Campus Commons, a twin-building residence life complex, holds the distinction of the largest construction project in the University’s history. The two buildings, East and West Halls, house 524 beds and are coupled by a two-story “Community Connector” featuring a large gathering and gaming space on the first floor, while study space is designated for the second floor.

Drawing on feedback from students and student panels, University planners ensured the facility included open study areas, as well as smaller breakout areas for students to collaborate in study groups. Students will have various food options thanks to a “Market” overseen by Carson-Newman’s food provider, Fresh Ideas.

Security features include keycard access and security cameras. A resident assistant will live on each floor with a residence director housed on site as well.

To help the campus living complex come to fruition, Carson-Newman partnered with University Housing Solutions and Adena Corporation. Knoxville’s BarberMcMurry Architects crafted the project’s design.

Carson-Newman’s Recreation Park opens new outdoor options to students. Also located on the west side of campus, the park includes basketball courts featuring Carson-Newman’s orange and blue colors in tandem with its iconic “nested C-N” logo. Other park options are sand volleyball and pickleball courts, as well as a softball field and soccer pitch. The University installed all new lighting for the area. Partnerships with the project included Total Property Management, BarberMcMurry Architects, and McGaha Electric Company.

West Campus Commons Facts

The facility’s electrical wiring spans 590,000 feet, or 112 miles. This is the same distance from Knoxville to Chattanooga.

The complex is built with 440,586 bricks. If each were laid end to end, they would span 55 miles long, or from campus (Jefferson City) to Loudon, Tennessee.

Nine miles of HVAC refrigeration pipe is used in West Campus Commons to give each individual room its own preferred temperature.

The building’s construction is a result of 202,000 labor hours.