Athenaeum Takes Shape and New Campus Enhancements Emerge at the University of Texas at Dallas

University of Texas at Dallas students, faculty and staff returning to campus for the fall semester will be greeted by new features and improvements as the University works to expand for its growing student population.

“From enhanced landscaping to upgraded campus services, including new EV charging stations, Comet Cabs and refreshed eateries, UT Dallas continues to provide an extraordinary experience for the entire campus community,” said Dr. Calvin D. Jamison, vice president for facilities and economic development. “Additionally, construction projects such as the DART Silver Line, Athenaeum and other game-changing initiatives will continue to transform the campus in support of our growing population.”

Construction

The Texas Instruments Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Building, a UTD-UT Southwestern Medical Center collaboration in the Southwestern Medical District, will open after a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for October. The 150,000-square-foot building, located on the East Campus of UT Southwestern, will bring together researchers from both universities to develop technologies that improve medical care. It also will house the Biodesign Center, which will include a large assembly/design studio, a metal fabrication shop and rooms for 3D printing.

Construction on the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum reached a high point this summer when the final roof beam for the first building was raised into place. The building, which will be the second home for the Crow Museum of Art, is on the south side of campus near the Naveen Jindal School of Management and is on track to open in 2024.

Other construction projects include:

• A portion of the third floor in the Erik Jonsson Academic Center has been remodeled into a new 80-seat classroom, while space in Founders North was remodeled to create a new 70-seat classroom.
• A new outdoor Fitness Court Studio, located southwest of the Activity Center, opened this summer.
• A new Title IX office suite is under construction in the Administration Building.
• A corner of the second floor in the Research and Operations Center was remodeled to create a space for Passport Services and the International Center Annex.
• The University Emergency Medical Response training space in the Safety and Grounds building has been renovated. The first responder campus organization will host an open house Aug. 23 and 24.

For information about construction on or around campus, visit the Pardon Our Progress website.

Transportation

Work on the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Silver Line Project continues on the north side of campus, with a tentative completion date in late 2025 to mid-2026. The 26-mile commuter rail service will provide a direct link to Terminal B at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, connections to seven North Texas cities and access to four other rail lines in the DART service area.

The Comet Cruiser, the DART Route 883 buses that serve UTD, is running a pilot program on Route 883 East, doubling frequency of the route to run every 15 minutes Monday through Friday. As a result, the 883 East Express will not operate during the fall semester. Weekend service will remain at 30-minute intervals. Review the route maps and schedules for the latest information.

Comet Cabs, the University’s campus shuttle service, has procured a wheelchair-accessible cab to assist students, faculty and staff. Services can be scheduled by using an online request form.

Parking and Transportation also is installing new, dual port electric vehicle smart charging stations at Parking Structures 1 and 3. Virtual parking permits for students, faculty and staff are available via the parking portal.

Dining and Bookstore

Rooted, a new vegan/vegetarian interactive station, is now open in Dining Hall West. Rooted allows diners to select from among different food items and sauces and then have the chef prepare it for them while they watch. Spirit Friday — wear orange or green and lunch is $6 plus tax — also is back at Dining Hall West.

The Market locations at the Student Union and Dining Hall West have both been refreshed. The Starbucks in the Student Union features new furniture and artwork, and Einstein Bros. Bagels in Parking Structure 3 has been updated with new paint and lighting. Hours, locations and more information can be found on the dining website.

The Technology Store is now housed within the University Bookstore, which is partnering with The Container Store. The site also includes an in-store tech repair shop.