Lipscomb moving ahead with expansion plans

Lipscomb University, the Church of Christ affiliated college located between Belmont Boulevard and Granny White Pike in Green Hills, has announced plans for a multi-year building project that would provide the school a new performing arts center, conference center, academic building and several new student residences.

The school declined to place a final price tag on the project or provide a firm timeframe for it, saying the projects are only in their initial stages, but said intends to spend $18 million over the next 12-18 months on construction and renovation and said it has taken out a $23 million bond issue to help with the project.

Lipscomb is in the process of updating its campus master plan with the Metro Planning Commission to reflect the proposed changes and recently held a meeting for area residents to discuss the building projects.

Metro Councilman Jim Shulman said neighbors have responded relatively favorably to the proposals.

The most expansion most noticeable from the street would be the construction of the new three-story academic building and of a 500-seat conference center whose entrance would face Belmont Boulevard; they would be located where a surface parking lot now sits. Together, the buildings would total 80,000 square feet and would connect with the school