KUAF Groundbreaking: Today
For as long as I can remember, KUAF, our local NPR affiliate, has been holed up in that red brick building across from the Engineering building on the U of A campus. Anytime I’d stop by to pick up a sticker or grab a pair of movie tickets I’d won(the wooden chicken has been good to me), I’d always be amazed at how they were able to operate out of such a small space. The office was packed full and it was fairly obvious that the folks at KUAF needed more space.
Last year, KUAF announced that it will be building a new office to house its studio and employees. Eventually, a design was released and a location given. The new space would be located at 9 S. School St next to the Blair Library… a very appropriate spot in my opinion.
The new $2.5 million dollar LEED certified building will, of course, be larger than the current spot. In addition, it will not only house the studio and office space, but will also include an area for public events and live performances. With the added space for public events, I’m hoping that KUAF will finally hold an on-air personality dance-off. My money’s on Pete Hartman… although I hear that PJ Robowski’s got some serious breakdancing skills.
Now that a design has been settled on and a lot has been found, it’s time to get building. This afternoon, KUAF is inviting “any and all friends” to come out for the groundbreaking ceremony. There will be speakers from the U of A, station manager Rick Stockdell will talk about making the move to the new office and the name of the building will be officially announced. The ceremony will start at 2:30 this afternoon and will take place on site, which is just north of the Fayetteville Public Library on Mountain Street.
If you’re able to make it, make sure to push the dance-off idea on anyone who will listen… and maybe give the KUAF folks a congratulatory pat on the back.
[Rendering by Polk Stanley | Rowland Curzon Porter Architects, LTD.]
Comments
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By Kyle on February 17th, 2009
I think the dance off would be a great idea. And, yeah, the smart money would be on Pete Hartman.
By David Franks on February 18th, 2009
The place can never again be Bogey’s, so I can’t think of a better use for it. Once again, I can be a regular there.
Kyle… Kellams?
By Urk on March 3rd, 2009
meh, I miss the 10 Watt Wonder!
By Urk on March 7th, 2009
And, while you’re at it, give us back the tapes of live bands like the Malls or Zorro and the blue footballs that were erased for practice announcements. give us back the ’80s (and most of the 90s) with a real college radio station instead of cable-only in the dorms. Give us back Weird Mondays! Meet any one fo these demands and I’ll try to muster a little enthusiasm for your little wine-and-cheese station.
and, yes, I’m an old crank with a grudge, thankyouverymuch!
By Dimmie on August 23rd, 2009
Anyone remember the upstairs studio in the old white clapboard house? I have a cassette of the Zambini Brothers i recorded from their live set in the studio from the mid ’70’s…sad to hear about the local music from those days being erased – we need an APB sent out somehow for a gathering of the home audio recordings to one website. Surely there is a retiree out there with time and an inclination and the broadband?