Jackson, Miss.

Millsaps College, a small residential liberal arts school, retained Ayers/Saint/Gross to help a campus vision that would reflect its immediate and anticipated needs.

From the outset, President Frances Lucas stressed the plan would have high impact with low cost and that it should build on the College's strengths and values.

In meetings with the faculty, staff, and students, three planning principles evolved:

• Enlightened frugality: Every dollar spent must be in keeping with the ideals and vision of the master plan.
• Create a nationally competitive and regionally distinctive residential liberal arts college: Expand the student base by strengthening programs that make Millsaps distinctive.
• Build on strengths and repair weaknesses: Repair or replace buildings that no longer support the academic mission and extend the beautiful landscape and architectural character of the central campus.

The plan identifies building sites, pedestrian pathways, and landscaping to link the North Campus (athletics), South Campus (student housing), and Central Campus (academic core and student services).

It suggests locations for residence halls that will be phased so older structures can be renovated or razed. In addition, the Ayers/Saint/Gross plan proposes replacement of the Christian Center with a Spiritual Life Center complex with a theater, chapel, classrooms, and offices.

Improved landscaping, signage, and gateways will define the campus edges and boundaries. In the end, the plan provides an open space network and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere throughout the College.

Completion: 2003
Size: 100 acres