M e e t i n g

Meeting Subject:                            Campus Advisory Committee Meeting

Location:                                        UNLV Foundation Building

Meeting Date / Time:                      April 17, 2002 / 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.                

Issue Date:                                     May 7, 2002

Participants:                                  See Attached Sign-In Sheet

Prepared By:                                  SmithGroup JJR

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this meeting was to review the preliminary analysis conclusions and three alternative framework concepts.  The committee was asked to identify preferred elements from each alternative that could be combined into a consensus plan.  The consensus plan will be developed for the May 21, 22, and 23, 2002 campus visit.

The following comments were recorded:

·         Regarding the proposed monorail alignment and alternatives:  We (the university) should "make our desires known."  Environmental considerations need to start immediately for this important project.

·         The Fulton Building is planning a facility expansion with a parking structure, conferencing area, and an expanded footprint.  Alternative "B" should have a node located at this important area of campus.  UNLV to forward Fulton Building concepts and drawings to SmithGroup JJR when they become available. 

·         The McDermott Building / complex should be color-coded purple.

·         UNLV has two different types of students with different needs:  commuter and residence hall.  Each student group's needs should be met in the plan.

·         Higher building envelopes and parking decks are desirable because land is not easily available and is very expensive.

·         The UNLV Master Plan should consider residence halls adjacent to McDermott.  This location provides good connectivity to the sports and recreation components of campus.

·         UNLV should acquire the apartments behind (north of) the Engineering Building.

·         Alternative "C" is very attractive for its public façade / curb appeal and for its maximization of academic space (this is important to demonstrate to the State of Nevada).

·         The circulation scheme in Alternative "C" is appealing, particularly the loop concept with parking decks.  Parking structures at the Thomas & Mack Center could be revenue generators.

·         Show the parking deck on Alternatives "B and C" north and west of the Thomas & Mack.  This will help dictate the academic infill (blue zones).

·         Ensure that pedestrian circulation is adequately addressed from the surface lots at the Thomas & Mack Center to core of campus.

·         Every surface parking space that is lost from the Thomas & Mack Center must be replaced.

·         Proposed building envelopes should be three to five stories.  Five stories is "just about right."  SmithGroup JJR is considering flight paths and related height restrictions, and zoning issues.

·         Will the UNLV Master Plan consider the new Crest Project?  Will the UNLV Master Plan help shape this new facility?  Yes.  SmithGroup JJR will be incorporating all ongoing planning and design projects into the plan.

·         Consider adding a new east- west pedestrian spine south of the proposed Crest Project area.

·         Consider adding more student service functions to campus (eateries, etc.).  Add more purple (land use color) to the area by the Fulton Building (Hotel College).

·         De-centralize open spaces.  UNLV operates with "multiple centers."  The convenience of these multiple spaces and places is important to have on campus.

·         Add more outdoor spaces.

·         The current Housing Master Plan calls for 1500+ additional beds.  Locational issues for the new housing include safety / proximity for students and staff.  There is a healthy demand for on-campus housing.  Last year UNLV had a 500 person waiting list.

·         If UNLV owned more land, other locations for housing would be considered (other than the current area).

·         The types of housing that are in demand include:  upper classmen and /or graduate students in single rooms or modified suites.  There is not as much demand for married housing.  A public / private joint housing venture was proven (in the study) to be cost-ineffective.

·         Modify Alternative "C" to show the western parking deck location portrayed in Alternative "A."

·         Modify Alternative "C" to have the same open spaces and nodes as Alternative "B."  The views into the campus (from Maryland) are great ideas to pursue.

·         Emphasize the north / south mall in Alternative "B."

·         The Harmon extension over I-15 to campus is exciting.  Capitalize on the loop concept to a parking deck at this location (Swenson / Harmon).

·         The Claymont to Cottage Grove Road loop is not obvious.  Signage and/or identity are needed to clarify this entry.

·         Could a parking deck be located at Swenson and Harmon, and the open space be moved to the interior of campus?  SmithGroup JJR will investigate this idea.

·         The central green space in Alternative "A" could be combined with Alternative "C."

·         Parking decks are desirable for shade during the hot months in the desert.

·         Connect the Fulton Building to the core of campus.  Additionally, Paradise Elementary School and the surrounding area should be better integrated into the fabric of campus.

·         Show the monorail on the plan.  Develop pedestrian circulation from a potential monorail stop to the Thomas & Mack Center and to core of campus.

·         The current Law School is isolated from campus.  Walking from this site to campus is not feasible.  Develop a way to get pedestrians from this site to campus.

·         The proposed area for Physical Plant and operations in Alternative "B" is not desirable.  Alternative "C" is preferred.

The following summary comments (preferences) were noted:

·         Combinations of alternatives "B" and "C" were the preferred direction with some ideas from Alternative "A."

·         Loop roads (on the corners of campus) and parking decks are preferred.

·         Open space (identity and image material) should extend to the campus edges and entrances.

·         Develop a major open space across from the Lied Library.

Our summarization of this meeting is transcribed as above.  Please notify the writer within five (5) business days of this transcription of any disagreement as the foregoing becomes part of the project record and is the basis upon which we will proceed.

Respectfully submitted by:

SmithGroup JJR

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