Trees were recently removed from the sidewalk on Main Street outside Kent State University’s Center for the Performing Arts to make improvements to the sidewalk and to create accessibility for handicapped people.

The sidewalk already is closed, and construction is underway. The project will finish by the start of fall semester. The majority of the work is being completed by University Facilities Management staff.

During the summer, pedestrians can walk on the north side of Main Street or walk around the Center for the Performing Arts via Theatre Drive. Signs also are posted in the area to direct pedestrians to an alternate route.

Michael Bruder, executive director of facilities planning and design at Kent State, says the sidewalk renovations were necessary.

“The sidewalk was damaged and broken with time, and the stone wall was beginning to fall and had been vandalized repeatedly,” Bruder says. “In bad weather, pedestrians were splashed by rain puddles and snow plows pushed the snow from the road onto the sidewalk, all of which made walking difficult for pedestrians. This project is the result of comprehensive planning along this corridor to correct multiple problems and provide the best long term solution for campus.”

Kent State plans to move the sidewalk farther back from the street and repair broken pieces of the wall to improve pedestrian safety. The university also will improve accessibility by elevating the grade to the front door, eliminating the interior vestibule stairs and adding new doors to the building. A new digital marquee sign, new trees and landscaping are part of the project as well.

“The marquee sign will promote events and concerts for theatre, dance and music,” Bruder says.

The cost of the marquee sign will be covered by the College of the Arts, and all sidewalk and accessibility renovations will be paid for with University Facilities Management’s maintenance budget.

Future plans call for a vehicle pull off to accommodate school buses and a drop-off point for guests. A future phase also will address the sidewalk and stone wall in front of Williamson Alumni Center.

For more information about campus construction this summer, contact Bruder at mbruder@kent.edu.