The University of Dayton has finished its search for a partner company to conceive and construct a master plan for already existing campus and the recently acquired NCR land.

Campus Master Planning Services chose Burt Hill to finish a plan within the next 12 to 15 months that is conducive to the university's vision for the 259 acres that now make up the UD campus.

Burt Hill, employer of nearly 600 engineers and architects, was among four other companies, narrowed down from the initial 20, chosen to present at an on-campus evaluation. Staff, students and faculty conducted individual interviews of the companies on four days in mid-February. Richard Perales, university campus planning director, was most impressed by Burt Hill's qualifications and understanding of the project.

'All of the firms were extremely qualified,' Perales said. 'Burt Hill was a better match with UD's vision. Their background and experience was more consistent to realize UD's campus master plan.'

Burt Hill has developed master plans for campuses such as St. Joseph's University and Thomas Jefferson University. While Burt Hill's past projects will be an asset to the company, they were most interested in UD's offer because the plan of action differs from those in the past.

'What appealed to Burt Hill about UD's project was the notion of figuring a way to develop the new part of campus with the overall master plan,' said Michael Reagan, a principal at Burt Hill. 'We will figure out a way to use the new parcel by working closely with community groups.'

UD President Daniel Curran played an active role in choosing the final partner based on the board's recommendations and the companies' creativity. Like everyone involved in the process, he has visions for the master plan and is looking toward the future.

'Burt Hill's biggest challenge will be integrating the existing campus with the newly acquired land,' Curran said. 'When you come off [Interstate] 75 and see the Sports Complex, then cross the river, you will recognize immediately that you are on campus.'

Burt Hill and UD expect to work with the Dayton community to involve commercial businesses and use the 49-acre increase in land to positively impact the city's economy. The master plan will encompass the campus' edge and promote connections to the surrounding neighborhoods. Perales said it is still too early to answer what commercial businesses will be involved in the project but they will choose them through careful marketing research.

Along with commercial collaboration, UD's vision includes promoting a vibrant setting, creating new concepts for student housing, connecting the Sports Complex to the campus and reevaluating the dining services.

As of now the planning board is still forming and ideas for the master plan are in the very beginning stages. However, Burt Hill and campus planning agree that whatever they choose for the 49 acres, it will incorporate the 53 buildings and 400 student houses already located on the former 210 acres.