Natalie Broderick, Student Affairs Chairperson at with the Student Government Association, explains the proposed remodeling plans for Downing University Center. Planned additions include a Starbucks, 24-hour study space, elevators and renovated dining areas.
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.