University of Missouri reveals updates to master plan tied to MizzouForward initiative

Over the last year the University of Missouri has put work into updates of its comprehensive master plan. It was presented Thursday to the university's Board of Curators.

This master plan is separate from those for University of Missouri Health Care and Mizzou Athletics, said Mun Choi, UM System President.

Details as small as where students eat lunch were considered in developing the plan and its adaptations. Choi was joined by Jessica Leonard, principal with architecture firm Ayers Saint Gross.

The master plan is intended to connect with the university's MizzouForward initiative. Sites, buildings and exteriors were analyzed to address pedestrian issues on campus. A copy of the presentation providing more plan details is available in Board of Curators meeting materials.

There are some near-term (within the next five year) projects, which does include the Memorial Stadium improvements, but also improvements at Peace Park and the Sixth Street corridor onto campus, Leonard said, among several others. There also could be additions or renovations to Waters and Lefevre buildings for increased opportunities for research, but those are long-term opportunities.

While the master plan was for information for the board Thursday, there will be a future meeting where the plan comes before the board for approval as finalized documentation is created.

The board still did have some action items for in relations to campus facilities, including the 2025 operating budget for all universities in the system and MU Health Care. The campuses are performing within their targets and University of Missouri St. Louis is expected to break even, said Ryan Rapp, executive vice president of finance and operations for the UM System.

The board also is seeking appropriation increases from the state to address inflation for operations and appropriations to help with capital improvement projects at all campuses in the UM system. Sending these requests to the state were approved.

The board also approved a change to its limit for master construction agreements from $1 million to $3 million for smaller construction, renovation and repair projects. The amendments also adds language on competitive bidding for projects and when it is not required.

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on X, formerly Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: UM System curators get first look at updated Columbia master plan