New student center takes shape on site of old bookstore
MAUREEN SMITHE
A new building on South Quad, in the former location of the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore, will house First Year of Studies, Student Academic Services, Campus Ministry and a satellite office of the Center for Social Concerns.
The $14 million project, expected to be complete in early 2001, was designed by Stecker, LeBau, Arneill and McManus, the same firm that designed the Eck Center.
The building, to be named the Coleman-Morse Center, will maintain the collegiate Gothic architecture, present throughout most of the campus, with architectural features similar to the Eck Center.
"We're very excited about it," said James Lyphout, vice president of Business Operations. "We feel it will be a very beautiful building, especially considering its prominent location on campus."
According to Lyphout, the inside of the building will be just as attractive as its outside.
"The inside will be modern, functional space," accented with carpeting and wood finishing, he said.
The building will include 24-hour student space with limited food services.
"There will be convenience-type foods, vending machines, beverages and pre-packaged sandwiches," Lyphout said.
Kevin Rooney, assistant dean of First Year of Studies, eagerly anticipates the move from buildings currently behind the Main Building.
"We're looking forward to it because it is in such an ideal location," he said.
The new First Year of Studies offices will hold tutoring classrooms and a writing center.
"Now we will have both advising and the Learning Resources Center on the same floor," Rooney said.
John Dillon, director of Campus Ministry, also looks forward to the move. His main offices are currently on the first floor of Badin Hall.
"Right now we are spread out all over campus," he said. "It will be beneficial to have all of our offices under one roof."
Construction crews "will be working normally five days a week, most likely starting at seven in the morning," Lyphout said. Winter will not offer a break from the work.
Some students have to keep an open, patient mind during the early — and often noisy — construction.
"It's not that bad, except the seven o'clock wake-up isn't so great," said first-year Badin resident Katie Bears.
The construction surprised her when she arrived last Thursday for orientation.
"It was kind of depressing to see a big open hole in the ground as my view," she said. "But I have two other windows to look out from and they offer great views."
All News Stories for Monday, August 30, 1999
