Inn Expansion Takes Shape

As construction continues on The Inn at Ole Miss, visitors now can get a good idea of the shape and size of the finished project. Completion of The Inn tower is still on schedule for February 2008. Once the Alumni Association takes possession of the tower it is expected to take about 2 months to furnish and open the hotel addition.

Latest Progess
The structural steel and the fire sprinkler system on the tower and ballroom are now complete. Exterior brick work began in July with windows being installed as the brick work passes a window opening. Inn at Ole Miss Campaign Coordinator Tim Walsh says bathroom fixtures and bathtubs also have been installed throughout the tower. Sheetrock installation began in October and continues this month.

The new tower is on schedule to be entirely enclosed with all windows installed and the roof completed by November 15. The existing Inn at Ole Miss will be connected to the new tower by the end of November.

The new parking lot on the east side of the current Inn was completed in August and is available for hotel guests and alumni staff.

Coming Soon
Inn at Ole Miss Manager Robert Radice says the existing parking lot at the entrance to the Inn will be demolished by December 15. A tiered garden area will be installed where this parking lot sits. The tiered steps surrounding the green space will lead from the new tower to the swimming pool.

Radice says the new tower will have power by early December and passenger elevators will be installed by late December.

In January 2008, bricking will be finished, kitchen cooler, freezers and doors to all rooms will be installed, and all interior painting will be finished.

Sponsorships Still Needed
Every suite in the new hotel tower has been sponsored and 6 rooms remain in the original Inn. Rooms may be sponsored with a tax-deductible gift to the University of $55,000, which may be contributed over time, if needed. The campaign has garnered over $14.5 million in gifts and pledges, but $1.5 million is still needed to complete Phase I. Those not interested in room sponsorship still have other naming opportunities in the sponsorship of stained glass windows, chandeliers, benches or alumni bricks.

Individuals or organizations can learn more about donor naming opportunities and tax-deductible contributions to The Inn at Ole Miss by contacting Tim Walsh at 662-915-1878, tim@olemiss.edu or visiting the Alumni Web site.

A live webcam allows alumni and friends to visit the Ole Miss Alumni Association Web site and view the current progress of The Inn construction.