Mar Lan Construction was selected as Construction Manager @ Risk to oversee the 30-acre plus site development for the University of Kansas’ West District project. The development will provide future pad sites for mixed-use development, infrastructure, and amenities for a mixed used site. Included in the amenities are two newly constructed synthetic turf playing fields that host a variety of outdoor field sports as well as serving as the practice field for the University of Kansas Marching Band. A winding maze of walking trails meanders through and extensive landscaped greenway will accent the hardscape of the vertical construction that will finish out this mixed-use development. Within the greenway is a 4-acre pond that doubles as an amenity and controls the storm water for the site and surrounding area. Lastly, seating areas were strategically designed along the trail to provide a place to rest and enjoy the surroundings. Pedestrian lighting for safety and extended use during nighttime hours accents these areas and the walking paths.
Infrastructure improvements were extensive and included installation of sanitary and storm water systems, underground electrical power raceways, public and private street paving, pedestrian sidewalks, street lighting and data & communication systems raceways. The project involved coordination with many public utility companies as well as various departments with the City of Lawrence.
Lastly a controlled intersection was necessary to support the development. This included new 4-way traffic lighting, widening of the intersections, changes to the pedestrian walks, pavement markings and relocation of various utilities.
