$1.7 million for Student Center

$1.7 million for Student Center

MATT DURR

Managing Editor

EAST LANSING – The Washtenaw Community College Board of Trustees approved the $1.7 million budget to remodel the first floor of the Student Center building. The remodeling will take place during the summer months and college officials hope it will be done by the start of the Fall semester. But associate vice president of Facilities Development and Operations Damon Flowers is not sure that is likely. “This is not the optimum timeline,” said Flowers. “It only leaves us 60 days.” Delays are inevitable because there are still many steps to be taken before any remodeling can begin. At their annual retreat on March 5, the board named Ann Arbor-based Hobbs and Black Associates as the architect. Schematic designs were already under way, but the board must approve the architect’s cost proposals before remodeling can begin. That approval is not expected to be granted until June. The goal of the renovation is to expand seating capacity and reduce noise in the Student Center. Flowers said that could be done in part by eliminating the hard floors and installing a new ceiling. New tables and seating will also be included as part of the overhaul. While nothing is official, some of the planning for the remodel was discussed at the board’s retreat. Bakuzio’s coffee shop may expand its seating capacity, as plans are to move the adjacent Club Sports office to make room. The Copy Center and Art Gallery One may also lose space to make room for more seating in the area. Flowers wants to increase seating by at least 30 seats. Current capacity for the area is around 170. Garrett’s restaurant, the bookstore, Edible’s, Subway and the Study Pub will be untouched in the updates.