Meeting in Corpus Christi, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved several development projects on the flagship campus in College Station.
A&M President Bowen Loftin told the Regents about choosing Panda Express from three vendors interested in providing Asian food in the soon to re-open Memorial Student Center, as requested by students. Dr. Loftin says Panda Express will spend $550,000 to finish and furnish their restaurant and will pay the university at least $60,000 a year for five years, a number that could increase depending on sales.
Dr. Bowen Loftin comments about Panda Express locating in the renovated MSC.
Dr. Loftin was also asked about other food and beverage options.
Dr. Loftin asked about a “high-end steakhouse” coming to the MSC.
The Regents also approved a lease with a group of doctors wanting to build a medical complex on the Health Sciences Center campus that would include a surgery center and fitness business. And permission was given to pursue a private developer to turn 11 acres of land north of University and east of College Avenue into student housing.
The Regents also took final action to build a $23 million dollar physical education building to take the place of the Reed Building and G. Rollie White Coliseum. Dr. Loftin told the Regents he’ll return later this year with requests to remove the old buildings.
Dr. Loftin comments about the future of the Reed Building & G. Rollie White Coliseum.
Also approved was $120 million dollars of construction affecting veternarian medicine, biomedical sciences, and the small animal hospital…along with a $9 million dollar renovation of the Corps of Cadets dormitory, also known as Lacy Hall.