There’s never an “off” season when it comes to construction projects at Grand Canyon University. But the start of summer means even more activity on campus as the rapidly expanding University gears up for a fall semester in which ground enrollment is expected to increase to 8,500 students.

Grand Canyon University’s Student Union is undergoing a major facelift this summer as crews turn it into a four-story, 58,000-square-foot with a new library, Starbucks, and other amenities.

Chick-fil-A, Subway and Starbucks are on the way in the fall as the University expands its dining operations by bringing retail restaurants to campus. Chick-fil-A and Subway will move into Thunder Alley, Starbucks into an expanded Student Union.

Shade canopies have been installed at Brazell Stadium and will bring relief from the hot afternoon sun for games on campus.

As the new Student Union is under construction, Grand Canyon University is also planning a new swimming pool, recreation facilities, and other amenities to keep pace with growth.

Renovation is under way for the massive 27th Avenue Office Center, which will be the new home for nine departments of Grand Canyon University.

The new 27th Avenue Office Center will feature two large coffee stations/break rooms, two smaller break rooms, a fitness center, exercise room and an honor system convenience store, among other things. Here are a few architect renderings of what to expect when renovation of the building is complete this summer.

The Student Union is about to get a state-of-the-art, four-story facelift. The expansion, which begins next week, will feature arched floor-to-ceiling glass walls, balcony seating on the second floor and possibly a massive Starbucks.

A three-foot ornamental fence will surround the new synthetic turf at Mariposa Lawn, which will be ready for intramural soccer use next month.

The new intramural field on GCU’s campus will feature a synthetic turf that is used in many NFL stadiums and practice fields. GCU Today also has the latest on the new classroom building, two new residence halls, the sand volleyball courts and the 27th Avenue offices.