UC Riverside will begin work this month on a major student instructional facility in the heart of the campus.

The Student Success Center will help address a shortfall in classroom space with seating for 1,100. It will include medium to large-sized lecture halls, multi-purpose rooms, study space, and a student lounge.

Located on the lawn area south of the CHASS Interdisciplinary building, it will be a highly visible project with impacts to the surrounding area, said Drew Hecht, co-director of project management for the Office of Planning, Design, and Construction.

The area will be fenced off in mid-November so crews can begin preparing the site for construction by removing some trees, clearing and grubbing plants and grass, and grading the dirt.

“At times there might be disruptions,” Hecht said.

Construction is expected to continue through August 2021.

In addition to reduced access to the area, the campus is advised to be mindful of construction equipment and materials that will be coming in and out.

While that project begins, another one in that area is nearing its end point. The final elements of the arts sculpture between the Arts and CHASS Interdisciplinary buildings will be installed this month with the project expected to be completed by early December.

There will be some slight modifications to the existing area, which is cordoned off with the walkway remaining closed until the project is finished.

The Barn renovations are also progressing with an expected completion date early next year and a planned grand opening in early February.

Construction also continues on the North District, Dundee-Glasgow, Pierce Hall, and Plant Growths Environment facility projects. No additional impacts are expected for those projects beyond the existing areas that are closed off.