New McNichols entryway planned for UDM

The University of Detroit Mercy is planning an aesthetic and operational makeover of its McNichols entrance. The vision includes the installation of a large archway, removal of a chain link fence and the overall lengthening of the entry drive, which is intended to prevent back-ups when there are large events on campus.

“We want to create a nice welcoming face for the university to first time visitors and to people in the neighborhood just driving by,” says Tamara Batcheller, UDM’s associate vice president for facilities.

Batcheller says the new entryway is in line with not just UDM’s efforts to improve its appearance, but the surrounding area as a whole. “We’re all trying to give this whole community a face-lift — businesses are trying to do it too,” she says. “It’s truly a team effort.”

The start date for construction is dependent on fund-raising; a full cost estimate is due in January. The new entryway is one of several capital improvement projects happening on UDM’s main campus, including work on two dormitories and two academic buildings and the installation of a new track and field. Future plans include a student fitness center, stadium seating around the track and field and an addition to the downtown law school.

Source: Tamara S. Batcheller, UDM
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh