Update On The HUB

2-28-97

University Park, Pa. -- Plans for the expansion and renovation of Penn State's Hetzel Union Building (HUB) and the construction of the new Paul Robeson Cultural Center, a single complex planned on the University Park campus, are moving ahead on schedule.

"The design committee, which includes faculty, staff and students, has been working closely with the architects since spring 1996 on design, budget and program issues," said Craig Millar, committee chair and associate vice president for student affairs. "We have talked with many units and the public about how best to accommodate the needs of students, faculty, staff and visitors.

"The architects have been very responsive to everyone's suggestions and are working right now to complete drawings for final approval," he said. "In the meantime, we had to balance construction and budget cost considerations, while maintaining the program and design concepts."

Designed by Williams Trebilcock Whitehead Architects of Pittsburgh, the HUB/Robeson project is expected to add approximately 90,000 square feet to the existing 154,000 square feet in the HUB and the Robeson Center's 9,000 square feet. Built in 1955, the HUB is the main student union at the University Park campus, serving more than 50,000 students, faculty, staff and visitors. The HUB was expanded in 1974 and remodeled in 1981, but over the last 15 years, there has been significant growth in the number of students, faculty and staff at the campus. Approximately 25,000 people are estimated to use the building each day, and nearly 7,000 events are scheduled each year in the facility.

The Robeson Cultural Center sponsored 561 events in 1995, attracting 24,000 participants. The center is located in a World War II building that was moved to the campus in the early 1950s and designated as a temporary student union building.

While design details are still being finalized, the current design proposes features such as an atrium with a pedestrian concourse, dedicated study spaces, redesigned food and business services, an expanded ballroom, information and computer services, and improved access for users with disabilities. The attention to detail in the design process is essential because of the important role of a student union building in campus life, Millar said.

A union serves as the community center of a university for all students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and visitors. In addition to the services provided, the union brings people together in educational programs and informal settings, according to Millar.

"In addition, a cultural center encourages appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures, as well as supports cross-cultural interactions among students of all races and ethnicities," he said.

Final plans are expected to be presented to the Board of Trustees at its March 21 meeting in Hershey. The budget is currently estimated at $29 million, and the schedule calls for construction to begin in late spring with targeted completion by the start of fall semester 1999.

There will be one more public forum on the project design this semester, and a groundbreaking ceremony tentatively scheduled for May 2.

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Contact:Vicki Fong (814) 865-9481 (office) vyf1@psu.edu