Construction continues full speed ahead on the new $83 million classroom facility on Belknap Campus, scheduled to open in the fall of 2018 (top photo). Artist’s rendering shows the future (bottom photo).

Hopefully, John Schnatter looks around next time he attends a board meeting on the University of Louisville’s Belknap Campus. The founder of Papa John’s Pizza harbors a misconception that all of the construction is going on in athletics.

Despite all the garbage dominating the front pages these days, UofL continues to build on the momentum of the past couple of decades — in both academics and athletics. The project that overwhelms them all is a new $83 million classroom facility that will open in the fall of 2018.

Significantly positive news was drowned out by a personnel issue during the most recent Board of Trustees meeting, including these nuggets from an audit of fiscal year 2017:

— The University’s financial position remains strong with total assets reaching $1.3 billion, including a $28.7 million increase in net position during the year.

— UofL had operating revenue growth from nearly every source, and the school’s operating loss was diminished by $33.6 million.

— Scholarship and financial aid expense was slightly lower than the prior year, resulting in an overall 5.8% increase in net tuition revenue.

— The University continued to invest in new and renovated facilities, including the following from the 2016-17 fiscal year:

Completed in 2017

  • Medical Dental Research Building Masonry Restoration, $1,287, 594
  • Ekstrom Library 3rd Floor Renovation, $2,750,000
  • Thornton Academic Center, $19,300,000
  • Baxter I Supplemental Chiller, $617,000
  • Ekstrom Library HVAC Upgrade $550,000
  • Donald Baxter Cardiology Facility, $2,079,000

Completed in 2016

  • Ekstrom Library 1st Floor Renovation, $2,200,000
  • Medical Dental Building 4th Floor, $705,000
  • K-Wing 2nd Floor Renovation, $1,075,000
  • Resurface Running Track at Cardinal Park, $910,000

In Progress

  • Belknap Classroom Building, $83,560,000
  • Student Activity Center Renovation $38,500,000
  • PJCS North End Zone Expansion, $63,250,000
  • Vivarium Study, Medical Campus, $105,064

In The Works

  • UofL Athletic Association Production Studio, $8,000,000
Share this

By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

2 thoughts on “UofL builds on momentum in academic, athletic construction”
  1. Too bad that the CJ couldn’t look up and print some balanced, informative articles like you do, Charlie.
    BTW, what has the CJ added to the community lately? Any construction, new hires, upcoming projects? Or just the usual teardowns? Thought so…

Comments are closed.