OKMULGEE – The College of the Muscogee Nation’s campus continues to grow with six construction projects this year, three of which are now complete. The three completed projects include a housing addition, a housing kitchen remodel, and a sewer line upgrade. Ongoing projects include the new Muscogee Memorial Hall, the new Clock Tower, and the new North Prairie site.
According to College of the Muscogee Nation President Dr. Monte Randall, all current projects have been completed on schedule or are expected to be completed on schedule. The North Prairie and Clock Tower are estimated to be completed by the end of October. The Muscogee Memorial Hall is estimated to be completed by the end of November. Randall said that these projects have caused minimal disruptions for students and staff.
“Fortunately, we’ve only had one remodel. Everything else has been new construction. We had to relocate our food pantry and some of the recreational amenities in the housing area during the summer when our enrollment is usually down.” Randall said.
Muscogee Memorial Hall will be located to the southwest of the Administration Building. The Clock Tower will be located west of the Administration Building and north of the Muscogee Memorial Hall. That location will be used for student gatherings.
The housing addition will include four new units, adding 16 beds for students living on campus. That brings the total number of beds to 100. Randall said this will help reduce the number of applicants on the CMN Housing waiting list. Turtle Lodge has been remodeled into a student community kitchen.
Big plans are in store for the North Prairie site. Randall explained that the area will become more accessible for students. It will also offer them more on-campus activities to engage in.
“North Prairie is going to be focused on student activities,” Randall said. “In addition to construction pads for future buildings, you’ll see a stickball field, sand volleyball courts, and an archery range. We’re going to put it back in the Three Sisters Garden, that’s managed by the students. We’ll have additional outdoor seating, a fishing dock around the pond, and a pedestrian bridge going over the pond. Really, it’s going to enhance the aesthetics of that location, of that site in the north area.”
Randall said the new buildings will provide the school with more library and resource space. This will allow the college to start exploring bachelor’s degree offerings.
