Update: parking lot project slowly moves forward

by Nikki Farmakes, Managing Editor

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It may look like work is finally being done at the site for the new parking lot next to the Yellowjacket Union; however the progress may be limited. 

For months, the site of the old Rothwell Student Center had been affectionately known as “Lake RSC.” After the old student center was torn down, work on the parking lot replacing it had stalled, leaving a giant hole in the ground. 

Now, work has finally begun on filling in the space. 

“Having the contractor fill in the site now with gravel will give us a much better base for the parking lot,” said Facilities Management Director Thomas Fennessey.  “The gravel fill will have a chance to settle and compact over the winter with moisture and freeze/thaw cycles.”  

The contractors began work on Sept. 13, and they will also set the gravel to re-route water to the sides of the site.  

Once the gravel is in place however, the site will go dormant once again. The State of Wisconsin and the Division of State Facilities has decided that bidding on the site will not be done until November and December, delaying construction until summer of 2011.

Parking Services and Facilities have come together to find alternative areas of parking for University of Wisconsin Superior students. 

The City of Superior is allowing cars to continue parking on both sides of Mortorelli Drive.  Also, the parking lot in front of the Public Safety Building is available for student use.  Finally, the small lot adjacent to the YU will be open for students and staff to park.  

Once the new lot is finished, UW-Superior will gain more than 150 parking spaces.