A 10-year master plan for campus-wide architectural improvement was presented to the public Tuesday by Southern Oregon University and Portland-based firm SERA.

The University announced that it hopes to have construction on the Theater building underway within the next three to four years and has plans to add additions to the south facing side of the existing building.

“We hope to get capital construction money for the theater building in this 2009 to 2011 biennium,” Blake said.

SOU has made a proposal to the State Legislature for capital construction money, which would cover half of the estimated $11 million project.

“That puts half the burden on the university,” said SOU Director of Campus Planning & Sustainability, Larry Blake.

If the proposal is approved by the legislator, Blake is confident in the university’s ability to raise the $5.5 million for the second half of the bill.

“We would have a reasonable chance,” Blake said. “But it would require a very concentrated effort.”

Renovation of Churchill, Britt Hall and Central Hall is also scheduled for the upcoming 2009-2011 biennium.

“Plumbing, electrical, air conditioning... we will just want to replace all of the worn out services in the buildings,” Blake said.

He said that along with the proposal to renovate the Theater building SOU also submitted proposals for the renovation of the Science building in the 2011- 2013 biennium and for McNeal Pavilion in the 2013-2015 biennium.

By 2020 SOU is also planning to move all of the residential halls with the exception of the Madrone Apartments and the Susanne Homes to the location of the existing tennis courts behind the Greensprings residential hall.

According to Blake the University is trying to create a central area for residential life on campus.

“We want people to have a sense of home,” said SERA architect Eric Ridenour.

According to Blake the University will likely use the Cascade location for an academic building in the future. “Over time Cascade will disappear,” said Blake. “It will be a gradual process.”

SOU and SERA will seek final approval of their 10-year plan from the City of Ashland’s Planning Commission during July of 2009.