K-State Community Engages in Campus Master Plan Discussion

Manhattan community members engage in dialogue over a diagram of the KSU Manhattan Campus.

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University hosted a town hall meeting on its Manhattan campus Tuesday to discuss the future of its facilities and infrastructure as part of the ongoing Campus Master Plan project. The event, led by Neal Kessler, a senior principal, campus planner at SmithGroup and a Kansas State University alumnus, provided an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to engage with proposed plans and offer feedback.

Neal Kessler speaks to a group of Manhattan community members in the Business Building Atrium.

This town hall was one of many that have been taking place on different campuses. K-State plans to have multiple occasions where community members on the Salina, Olathe and Manhattan campus can give feedback for each plan that SmithGroup is helping outline for each campus.

The meeting, which took place in the Business Building atrium, was part of a series of events on campus in Manhattan aimed at gathering input from the university community. Kessler emphasized that the master plan is still in development, with completion expected by spring 2025.

"We are halfway through the process," Kessler noted. "These are just ideas to start opening up conversation."

Key Themes and Proposals

The presentation highlighted several key themes, including the need to modernize and rethink existing facilities, improve research spaces, and enhance campus mobility and safety. Kessler pointed out that while the university has sufficient space for future growth, the quality of some facilities and open green areas need improvement.

• Facility/Green area Modernization: The plan calls for updating older buildings to match the quality of newer ones. Anderson Halls front lawn, a historic symbol of the university, was identified as a priority for revitalization.

• Ahearn Field House: Once a central hub for many sporting events, it is being considered for transformation into a multipurpose event center or a student services hub.

• Campus Mobility: Enhancements to pedestrian pathways and transit systems are proposed to reduce vehicular traffic and improve safety.

  
  

Community Engagement

Attendees were encouraged to explore various scenarios displayed on boards around the venue and provide feedback. The scenarios included ideas for renovating existing structures, expanding northward towards Claflin Road, and integrating the Edge District into campus life.

Kessler urged participants to think long-term and consider how these changes could unfold over 25 to 50 years. "Suspend your disbelief," he said. "This is a long-term vision."

Next Steps

The university plans to continue gathering feedback through virtual sessions and additional town hall meetings. A refined plan incorporating community input will be presented in early 2025.

The master plan aims to align with Kansas State University's strategic goals by enhancing research capabilities, improving student experiences, and fostering a resilient campus environment.

For more information on the Campus Master Plan and upcoming engagement opportunities, visit the university's official website.