Students got their first look at the Downing

University Center’s future on Friday when the Student Government

Association showed off a series of renderings in the building’s

lobby.

WKU labeled the project as a “student-led

initiative” in a press release Friday. The SGA passed a resolution

last semester approving the project, and students will pay a

$70-per-semester student fee to repay bonds.

Unveiling of the $49 million project followed

a presentation at the Board of Regents Committees meetings.

To begin the Student Affairs committee

meeting, architects Jeff Stivers and John Burse led a presentation

on the DUC project, which will be completed in the fall of

2014.

The presentation was the first public viewing

of their new design for the building.

John Osborne, vice president for Campus

Services and Facilities, said much of DUC will be closed during the

renovations. WKU will keep dining services open as much as

possible, Osborne said.

The building will be designed to Leadership in

Energy and Environmental Design standards — the second building on

campus with the distinction pending Ransdell Hall’s LEED

certification.

Look for more on the renovations in

Tuesday’s Herald.