13 Guided by goals of the Campus Facilities Master Plan, the university continues to address the need for new facilities and lifecycle renovations of major buildings to meet the needs and expectations of students, faculty and staff. During the last five years, major facilities achievements include: New and recently renovated facilities • Admissions Welcome Center (estimated completion in Spring 2025) – built as an addition to the “Poplar House,” it will be a place for the community and the university to meet, for first-time visitors to the university to become familiar with the campus, and for prospective students to explore the many ways a Kutztown University education can benefit them. • de Francesco Building – the building underwent a full lifecycle renovation. One goal of the project was to make de Francesco the home for the College of Business and to bring together all departments scattered across campus. • Keystone Field – the natural turf was replaced by artificial turf. Both women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse games are held here. The field is also available for recreational use. Other improvements included lighting, a sound system, bleachers and restroom facilities. • Nancy Jean Stump Seiger Botanical Research Center – built as a research facility for the biology department. It offers more opportunities for controlling many aspects of the environment to study the effects on plant material. • Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research – opened in Spring 2023 and is home to KU’s growing collection of music, photos, and artifacts, along with rare and valuable vintage collection of mallet percussion instruments. • Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center – is headquartered in the KU Foundation-owned Delight E. Breidegam Building. The faci- lity provides access to the heritage center library and archives, as well as thematic exhibitions in the galleries. It is also the gateway to an open-air folklife museum and research center dedicated to preserving and celebrating Pennsylvania German folk culture, history, and language. • Keith Haring Fitness Court – is located at the juncture of the university and the Borough of Kutztown. It was a joint project of the university and the Borough. The outdoor court features many exercise stations to provide any workout intensity. The College of Business’ Sport Management department makes use of the court for coursework. Upcoming Projects • Johnson Hall – this residence hall will undergo a full lifecycle renovation. The design is complete, and construction bids are due in December 2024. • Keystone Hall – this athletic building will undergo a full lifecycle renovation. Design is in progress. It will address code and accessibility deficiencies. Improvements in locker facilities, the natatorium, game day management, and coaches’ and officials’ accommodations.
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