A new parking garage is seen under construction on campus. (DM Photo/Cady Herring)
The University of Mississippi’s first on-campus parking garage is expected to be completed and fully functional by the spring of 2015, according to Mike Harris, director of parking and transportation.
“Our university is experiencing historic growth, and parking is a high priority area to address,” Harris said. “The parking garage is a joint effort between the university and the Ole Miss Athletics department.”
Offering 823 parking spots, the garage will be convenient and affordable for staff, students and visitors. Faculty and staff members will be offered spaces first for an annual rate of $500. After faculty and staff, graduate students will be able to purchase spaces, then seniors, juniors and so on.
Construction began last December in association with Yates Construction. According to Keith Carter, executive director of Ole Miss Athletics Foundation, the original completion date was August 2014, but delays, including in-ground foundation work and other difficulties outside of university control, have hindered the project.
For the 2014 football season, donors who previously chose to park in the garage will have spots made available to them in the the new parking lot south of the Ole Miss Track and Field Facility and the Gillom Center.
Carter said complimentary shuttles will be provided to all donors in these areas to get them to the stadium in as timely and efficient manner as possible.
“If the garage may be used safely for vehicle parking this fall, we will move you into your currently selected parking stall as originally planned,” Carter said.
Completion during the 2014 football season is doubtful; however, efforts are being made by the contractors and the university to complete the project in the most timely manner.
-Sara Rogers
