Jessica Fisher, Staff Writer and Sierra Hubbard, News Editor
Renovations will take place this summer in the south side of the Student Center.
The construction project will cost about $200,000 and, despite all of the ‘Thank A Giver’ signs around campus, Assistant Director for Design Richard Rhodes says that none of the renovations’ money comes from donations. Rhodes also believes that this project will begin near the end of May or the beginning of June.
“Basically there are three main components to it,” Rhodes said. The first part is the staircase above the food court, which is being torn down completely and reconstructed to be oriented towards the library. Coupled with the renovations that will be done to the library this summer, the idea is to create a direct link to walk straight from the library through the Student Center and out to the Campus Green.
“We’re going to improve the lighting level in that whole space, because right now it’s extremely dim,” Rhodes added.
Lastly, the existing tile floor is going to be removed and replaced with new tile, mostly because the construction of the staircase’s foundation will tear up much of the floor in that area.
The project should take about six weeks and be completed by the time students return for the fall semester.
The services offered on the south side of the student center will maintain their regular summer hours. The bookstore is not expected to be affected, though the student center entrance to the bookstore might be closed down occasionally, according to Rhodes.
In response to any ideas that the project would be ‘frivolous’ Rhodes wants critics to keep in mind the age of the center, the fact that the systems are old and the lighting is poor. Rhodes also states that this is a part of a phase construction, which hopes to make additional improvements over the next couple of years, including large meeting rooms that will be available for student use.
“We’re just trying to get this particular building upgraded,” Rhodes said, citing renovations and additions to the Student Center over the past several years, including Card Services, the UPS store, and new food services.
Dave Wise, a senior psychology major, thinks maybe the money could be better placed.
“I don’t mind things being upgraded, especially for safety and general maintenance, but if this is just being used to make our school look a specific way then I think it’s funds misplaced. I would rather see funds be put into making more parking, or something a little more useful.”
Not all students agree, however. Thomas Nguyen, a junior biochemistry major, feels that the project is necessary.
“I think that the money spent on renovating meeting space for students are useful,” Nguyen said. “The student center is too small to accommodate KSU’s students. As for the aesthetics, I love a presentable and modern themed university. I don’t think beautifying the student center is frivolous.”
don’t think beautifying the student center is frivolous.”don’t think beautifying the student center is frivolous.”
