Building Our Future Together

Dear University Community,

As we move forward with the Transform UMSL initiative, we’re marking milestones that bring us closer to a campus designed to support our students, faculty, and region for generations to come. This ambitious project underscores our shared commitment to UMSL’s future—a future that enriches our community and empowers us to serve at an even greater level.

The deconstruction of the SSB Tower is a visible and exciting step toward building a new home for the College of Education and Honors College. Alongside this work, we’re modernizing the main SSB facility to provide new classrooms, offices, collaborative spaces, and more. With the tower demolition nearly complete, we are progressing confidently toward a transformed campus that reflects our vision and values.

Preparing for Our Future Campus: SSB Closing Plan

To maintain momentum and ensure a smooth project timeline, we will be closing floors 2–4 of the SSB for approximately two years. The closing will take place in two phases, beginning with the second floor of SSB on Monday, December 23. The second phase will close the third and fourth floors after the School of Social Work, the Department of Political Science and UMSL Global have been relocated to temporary locations on North Campus. During the SSB closure, only the first floor will remain open, preserving access to the North Quad and important resources like the Math and Writing Centers. Here’s why this approach best supports our shared goals:

• Minimize Daily Disruptions: Reduces continuous disturbances to faculty and staff to support a productive environment.
• Efficient Progress: Allows our project team to work efficiently and keep the project on track.
• Resource Stewardship: Minimizes costs for abatement, demolition, and HVAC improvements, benefiting the entire university community. 

Our project team, in collaboration with River City Construction and campus leadership, is dedicated to supporting faculty and staff transitions. We are working closely with the School of Social Work, Department of Political Science, and UMSL Global to provide temporary office and meeting spaces that ensure continued collaboration and success.

As we embark on this transformative journey together, we are grateful for your patience, flexibility, and shared enthusiasm for UMSL’s future. Leadership, including Provost Steven Berberich, Chief of Staff Adella Jones, Chief Financial Officer Tanika Busch, and Facilities Management, will continue providing updates as we bring this bold vision to life.

Thank you for being part of this journey as we build a stronger, more resilient UMSL for all.

Sincerely,

UMSL Facilities Management