A construction project on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s East Campus will convert an existing green space into a community space for campus and the broader community.

The Legacy Plaza Meadows project spans from the Nebraska East Union south to the Dairy Store and Filley Hall and east to Dinsdale Family Learning Commons. Daniel Trotter, facilities director for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, expects completion of the project by fall 2024.

This work will create additional outdoor seating at the East Union, a vehicle entrance for the East Union’s loading dock, a new outdoor patio at the Dairy Store, grading changes to increase accessibility for people with disabilities, and new lighting.

Some of the pathways will have cutouts that could allow faculty to hold class outdoors or members of the campus community to offer public events.

“It’s always been a green space, but hopefully we can bring the public back to the center of campus to interact with the students, faculty and staff, the students can have more study area outside, and still have the green area,” Trotter said.

Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing

Students walk across East Campus by construction fencing surrounding a plaza renovation project.

Workers removed some trees from the area, many of which Trotter said were diseased or near the end of their lifespans. Additional trees will be planted as part of the project.

Trotter said he hopes the renovations will make the space more of a communal space for students and for the public.

“I think it will be a better use of the space for everybody,” he said. “I’m excited to see it all come together, let the whole area flow and be a destination on East Campus.”