(VIDEO) The renovation of parking lot R07 is intended to increase pedestrian safety on campus.
The renovation of parking lot R07, located between the Student Union Building (SUB) and the Administration building, began May 15, 2021. Major construction was finished by February 2022.
In an ongoing effort to increase pedestrian safety on campus, the renovation of parking lot R07 and addition of a pedestrian mall are intended to reduce vehicle traffic and provide a raised walkway from the north side of the SUB to the Administration courtyard.
“This project has been a dream for many people for several years, and is centered around campus safety,” said Charles Leatherwood, senior managing director of Grounds Maintenance and Transportation & Parking Services. “One of our goals is to eliminate the mixing of pedestrians and vehicles by reducing vehicle traffic in the heart of campus.”
The renovation began with construction of bus turnouts on the east side of the SUB and diversion of bus traffic away from Memorial Circle and 15th Street. Phase two of the project expanded the parking lot south by removing 15th Street, reduced the number of entrances to the lot and closed Boston Avenue to through traffic. The project also included the addition of new storm drains and piping to assist with drainage during heavy rainfall.
“The renovation of the Administration parking lot originated out of concerns for making our campus safer for our students, faculty, staff and visitors,” said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. “But it also presented an opportunity to beautify our campus and do it in a way that is consistent with architectural features and the historical plans for our campus.”
An elevated pedestrian mall was installed through the center of the lot for pedestrian safety, and landscaping of the space was updated with the addition of more than 100 trees, new flower beds, turf and outdoor seating.
“In my opinion, the highlight of this project was the pedestrian walkway from the north side of the SUB to the Administration courtyard with a site line through Memorial Circle all the way to the Mechanical Engineering building,” said Leatherwood. “The pedestrian walkway is landscaped with flower beds, lined with trees and has seating areas and Wi-Fi.”
To celebrate the renovation of this space, the Office of the President hosted the pedestrian mall party in the parking lot on Wednesday (April 13).
Pedestrian Mall Party
