As students and faculty enjoy the summer break, the University of Missouri is making the most of the quieter months by launching a series of critical construction and renovation projects across campus. One of the most visible projects will be work on the Jesse Auditorium addition of Jesse Hall, where crews will carry out masonry repairs, roofing improvements, gutter replacements, and HVAC upgrades.

A large crane will be positioned near the main entrance on the south side of Jesse Hall to facilitate cosmetic repairs to the iconic dome. Construction will kick off shortly after the university’s spring commencement weekend to minimize disruptions to students and campus events. Signs will be installed to help pedestrians navigate around the construction areas safely.

This summer’s construction push also introduces a new construction impact map developed by Campus Facilities. The interactive map allows users to click on each project in the legend for detailed information about its scope and timeline. Although hundreds of smaller maintenance and upgrade projects happen on campus each year, the map focuses on those that affect streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and garages.

In addition to university-led projects, the City of Columbia plans to repair and repave streets across campus this summer, with crews working overnight from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to minimize the effect on daytime campus activities. Specific dates for road closures and repairs will be added to the construction map once finalized.

Major Projects Impacting Campus

Among the significant efforts this summer is the comprehensive Jesse Auditorium project, which includes masonry repairs, roofing improvements, roof access work, gutter replacements, HVAC equipment refurbishments, and installation of a new smoke evacuation system. Repairs to the dome will address cosmetic issues and include fresh paint to restore its appearance.

Construction continues on the east side of campus with the Michael L. Parson Meat Science Education and Learning Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at training future leaders in the meat processing industry. Set for completion in July 2026, the lab will feature modern tools and technologies to equip students and professionals with hands-on learning opportunities.

Renovations to the Medical Science Building, which began in 2023, are nearing completion. The phased renovation aimed to modernize research spaces while allowing scientists to continue their work during construction. When complete, the building will house upgraded laboratories and collaborative research areas.

The Memorial Stadium Centennial Project is also making significant progress, aiming to enhance the fan experience by enclosing the stadium’s north end and adding premium seating. Plans call for up to 160,500 square feet of new construction, including field-level suites, club sections, and a 300-person Rock M Club built beneath the historic Rock M Hill. Fans can follow the project’s progress through a live construction camera on the university’s website.

Elsewhere on campus, a major underground infrastructure improvement project will temporarily affect traffic around Memorial Union’s east, north, and west sides. Phase I, covering the north and west areas, is expected to be completed by August 2025, just before the start of fall classes. Phase II, impacting the east side between Memorial Union and Stewart Hall, is scheduled for completion in November 2025.

In the realm of healthcare innovation, the university is advancing work on the University of Missouri Research Reactor production and supply/storage additions. This project will house production lines for targeted radiotherapies used to treat neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer, along with new storage and supply areas. Completion is slated for October 2026.

For early childhood education, the Stanley Hall project will bring improvements to the Child Development Laboratory playground, a new entry hall, new classrooms, and reconfigured observation booths and offices. The work is expected to conclude in October 2025.

Meanwhile, Phase II of the Dr. Dan Brown Building will see the demolition of the original structure adjacent to Phase I, which was finished last fall. Once completed in fall 2026, the approximately 73,000-square-foot complex will feature advanced biosafety and biosecurity measures, expanded diagnostic capacity, and dedicated teaching and research spaces. The final phase is scheduled for completion in November 2026.

“Our goal is to take advantage of the summer months to make meaningful progress on projects that enhance the university’s facilities and improve the overall experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors,” said a university representative.

University officials remind the campus community to check the construction impact map regularly for updates on closures, detours, and completion dates as work continues throughout the summer.

Originally reported by Karlan Seville in Show Me Mizzou.