Construction projects at UW-La Crosse receive first green light

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse could be getting some upgrades.

One of the several projects approved by the UW System regents last week will include the UW-L fieldhouse, which will be paid for by student fees.

“We have an NCAA championship track team but we don’t have a fieldhouse where we can have an NCAA meet,” Chancellor Joe Gow said. “We certainly want to improve that.”

The project would include a 200-meter track, an all-surface infield, four tennis courts and more space for the gymnastics and wrestling programs.

A new residence hall is also in the works, if Gov. Scott Walker and the state legislature accept the System’s budget proposal.

Gow also talked how more and more students are both coming to La Crosse and not heading to rent homes or apartments off campus.

“We have so many students that want to live on campus right now and we cannot accommodate all of them,” Gow said. “And, our enrollment continues to grow.

“This fall, we’ll start the year with the biggest first-year class in the history of the university.”

Phase 2 of the new science center and an HVAC upgrade at Graff Hall would be taxpayer funded.

“Modernization is really what it’s all about,” Gow said. “Some of the facilities that we have are really outdated.”

Gow says it’s a long process but they’re pleased the regents saw the need of those projects.