More renovations are in the works for the Student Center, but university officials are unsure what changes will be made to the facility.
The renovations will be the second phase of a project to improve the center.
In fall 2001 the first phase of the renovation and expansion project was completed.
The 700-seat food service area and the replacement of the existing entry with an atrium were the hallmarks of that project.
The $25 to $30 million second phase is currently in the planning and programming stages, according to Vice President of Facilities Management Robert Buchholz.
“At this time we are still helping to establish what goes in the new space and the renovated space,” said Buchholz.
The renovations, which may begin as soon as June 2003, are intended to be a major draw for prospective students, as well providing a central social facility for Temple students and faculty.
Although there are currently no definitive plans for the 50,000 square feet of construction planned for the second phase, ideas such as a ballroom, a movie theater, an alcohol-free nightclub and a game room are all being considered.
“If they add a video arcade, I really hope it will be up to date and not as horribly overpriced as most are now,” said junior John Kollmer.
Freshman Deborah Crowe said she hopes that a new movie theater will be significantly better then the current theater located in the Tuttleman Learning Center.
“A real theater like Regal or United Artists would be great,” she said, “but that would take away the fun of trying to navigate through the city.”
Lounge areas, meeting rooms, and offices for student organizations and administrators are likely additions, according to university planners.
Some students have their own suggestions for what should be included in the expansion.
“I think they should add a thrift store for students to buy and trade among other students,” said freshman Brittany Beetham.
“It would make sense, if they are putting so much effort into expanding the [Student Center] that they would … separate the book store from the clothing store, [and] maybe offer a store with regular clothing as well as campus wear,” said sophomore Kelly Otis.
“A music store would be cool – like new and used CDs and records, maybe DVDs,” said freshman Cynthia Whybark.
Temple plans on minimizing the inconvenience of the renovation on students, but the actual impact has not been determined.
“By no means will the [Student Center] be inaccessible during the construction process, but certain inconveniences should be expected,” said Director of Planning and Design Marvin Gerstein.
“There’s a lot of planning that still has to be discussed before anything is done,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Teresa Powell.
“Many people depend on the [Student Center], it’s become a vital part of Temple University. Our desire is to make the [Student Center] an even more central place for students and visitors.”
“I’m supposed to graduate May 2005,” said sophomore Kyle Weber, “and if Temple lives up to their reputation, I’ll be long gone before they finish the renovations.”
Holli Powitzky can be reached at hollip@temple.edu
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