Wayne State Celebrates $26.5 Million Student Center Overhaul
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) — The newly renovated Wayne State University Student Center is reopening after a $26.5 million overhaul.
The Detroit school on Tuesday is marking the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, ice cream social and building tours.
Nearly 125,000 square feet of space was renovated to provide a more modern, expansive and student-friendly atmosphere.
The school says the 45-year-old Student Center was in great need of upgrades to accommodate an increase in students, activities and residents on or near campus.
The construction project took place in two phases, starting in May 2014 and ending last month.
Highlights of the new center include:
•A redesigned food court featuring several new food options, including Panda Express and Starbucks.
•A new atrium on the building's south end providing light and additional space.
•A new grand ballroom, perfect for holding large-scale university events.
•A state-of-the-art student organization collaboration center on the third floor.
•Two new feature staircases allowing better flow throughout the building.
•A lower-level activity zone offering a variety of recreational spaces, dance practice rooms, food services and lounge spaces.
•Additional meeting and multipurpose rooms allowing more flexibility to student organizations' needs for reservable space.
•Increased square footage to provide more locations for students to lounge, study and engage.
•Relocated and redesigned areas for the Dean of Students Office, Student Center Administration and Universe IT.
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