NAU project creates 2,500 jobs

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Construction crews have begun razing Northern Arizona University's Lumberjack Stadium as part of a project that will create about 2,500 jobs and generate more than $7.3 million in city and state tax revenue.

The old football stadium will be turned into a Health and Learning Center, along with a new and improved Lumberjack Stadium.

The Health and Learning Center, funded in large part through student-approved fees, will add more than $51 million in labor wages to the state's economy during 21 months of construction. The 270,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in August 2011.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the project will be held Oct. 22 as part of homecoming activities.

"Construction is one of those areas that can help boost a sagging economy," said NAU President John Haeger, who is an expert on economic change in America. "I've said before that you can't just cut your way out of a recession. By investing in jobs that will bring positive change to campus, we are helping our students while also benefitting our local and Arizona workforce."

The Health and Learning Center will replace the 40-year-old Fronske Health Center, renovate and expand the 20-year-old Recreation Center and replace the 49-year-old stadium. It will include two floors of classrooms and an integrated service center providing physical health, mental health, recreation, intercollegiate athletic facilities, a café and social gathering space.

The $106 million project also encompasses the recently opened recreation fields, volleyball courts and facilities on south campus. As with the fields project, the Health and Learning Center will be built to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Lumberjack Stadium, built in 1961, will be torn down and rebuilt, emerging as a new facility that will seat 1,000 fans. The rebuilt stadium will house facilities for women's soccer and golf, men's and women's tennis, including locker rooms, training facilities, meeting rooms and offices.

"The increase in construction-related jobs is particularly welcome in this economy since the construction sector typically pays among the highest average wages when compared with jobs in other industries," said Ron Gunderson, NAU professor of economics.

Gunderson said the project should generate $1.4 million in new sales tax revenues for the city of Flagstaff.

Mortenson Construction is the general contractor for the project.