University of Windsor continues downtown expansion

The University of Windsor is continuing efforts to expand its presence in downtown Windsor.

Students have moved into the new School of Social Work at the former Windsor Star building, work continues on renovating the old Windsor Armouries building and architects are drawing up plans for a buildingatthe old Tunnel BBQ location.

The university is also going ahead with some short-term projects in the downtown core. This weekend it's sponsoring a concert with singer-songwriter David Ford and the Windsor Symphony Orchestra. University President Alan Wildeman said the concert is the next step in a growing relationship between the school and the orchestra.

"As we get ready to move downtown, we're looking for more opportunities to showcase music in its broadest way," Wildeman said. "This upcoming concert is an opportunity to show what we can do in partnership with the symphony and to create a great evening of entertainment.

With several orchestra members and music director Robert Franz teachingat the university, Wildeman said he'sinterested in more collaboration between the two organizations.

"There's a great relationship there and we're looking to strengthen it," he said.

As to the construction projects, Wildeman said he expects the new creative arts school at the Armouries to be open in September 2017.

"It's been a little bit of discovering and doing as you go along," he said. "It's a complex program but we knew it was complex when it started. But it's been a bit of short-term pain for long-term gain because it's going to be something quite spectacular."