Sidewalk renovations and maintenance updates began last week outside the Center for the Performing Arts.

University Architect Michael Bruder said workers are moving the sidewalk farther back from the road to make it a safer walkway. They are flattening the area outside the building, and they are also taking a stone wall down because of vandalism and overgrown pine trees that were affecting the wall.

The construction will open the area to the back door of the building. Inside the door, there are stairs leading to the main lobby. Bruder said the construction will include raising the floor so that it is handicap-accessible.

The Center for the Performing Arts is funding a digital sign that will advertise events, such as concerts and theatrical performances. All other maintenance updates are being funded by the university.

“There are multiple things that are going to improve that area, but I think it’s going to look great when it’s finished,” Bruder said.

Construction will finish in late August in time for the start of the fall semester, he said.

Contact Chelsea Graff at [email protected].