Conceptual Master Plan
MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION
Over the last decade, Kent State University at Stark has experienced record enrollment growth and expanded degree offerings. With enrollment expected to nearly double over the next ten years, the need for a conceptualized master plan to accommodate this growth has become evident.
The conceptual master plan retains and enhances the aspects of campus that currently draw people to it, while providing a firm foundation for future growth.
So much more than bricks and mortar, the conceptual master plan is based on four guiding principles for the future development of the campus:
- Connect - Linking the campus to the community
- Create - Constructing new spaces to accommodate growth and expansion
- Complement - Enhancing current environments with functional improvements
- Conserve - Maintaining green spaces and adhering to environmental principles
CONNECT
The conceptual master plan includes improvements that will link the campus to the community, providing better visibility from the street, and creating a distinctive image for Kent State University at Stark. Plans include:
- Creating a stronger presence along Frank Avenue NW by adding architectural elements, and developing the exterior of campus.
- Establishing a streetscape treatment for the campus edges to minimize the visual impact of parking lots and capitalize on the traditional appeal of Kent State University.
- Opening the campus as a civic amenity to the community through multiple uses of grounds. Tentative plans include an art walk, a fitness trail and educational gardens.
CREATE
With enrollment expected to nearly double over the next ten years, Kent State University at Stark has the opportunity to serve as many as 10,000 students each year. Additionally, the campus plans to continue expanding its baccalaureate and master’s degree offerings. The conceptual master plan addresses this growth with:
- Constructing new buildings, the first of which would be a Science and Nursing Building to accommodate rapid growth in this area, with subsequent plans including flexible spaces for administration, classrooms and recreation.
- Rerouting Loop Road, bringing select parking lots closer to buildings and encircling all campus facilities, providing convenience for students.
- Redesigning and repositioning campus signage, improving way finding for students and visitors.
COMPLEMENT
Spaces created specifically for students will enhance the existing look and feel of the campus and improve recruitment and retention by giving students a place where they feel “at home.” This will be done through:
- Creating multifunctional areas for recreation that will promote the physical health of students.
- Providing comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate various social needs such as intimate, quiet spaces for studying and larger spaces for gatherings.
- Establishing additional places for student interaction and enhancing services and amenities for evening students.
CONSERVE
A core value to the university – protection of the campus green spaces and environment – is central to every phase and aspect of the conceptual master plan. Specific conservation and sustainability plans include:
- Striving to orient new buildings along an East/West orientation.
- Employing sustainable storm water treatment techniques such as bioswales.
- Utilizing green energy sources when feasible such as wind, geothermal or solar to supplement conventional energy sources.
- Providing safe and convenient facilities and routes to encourage pedestrian, bicycle and transit travel.
- Establishing preferred parking and perks to promote carpooling and other energy- efficient travel methods.
Conceptual master plan prepared by KKG Architect Group.