Last spring, the site of the old dorm buildings east of the Union was a scene of wrecking balls and destruction; now, it’s a 763-stall parking lot.

The vacant formerly halls known as Ballif, Vancott and Austin were torn down and replaced by a large new parking lot constructed this summer. The lot is directly east of the LNCO and southeast of the golf course.

While the new lot is not entirely complete, Alma Allred, director of Commuter Services, said the site has been an amenity to commuter students who have classes near middle campus.

“It’s been hard to park near the Union (in recent years,)” he said. “These are vacant spots close to campus.”

The parking lot will be around “for the next few years” but Allred said most of the land would likely be used for new buildings down the road.

Allred said he encourages students to ride mass transit rather than commute to school if possible. He also suggested students pick up a free UTA TRAX/bus pass at U Bookstore.