Construction Starting For Hub-Robeson Center

2-2-98
University Park, Pa. -- Phase 2 of the planned HUB-Robeson Center is beginning with the preliminary site utilities completed and the kickoff of the construction of the new main building.

"Most of the regular HUB activities, such as meetings, lectures and HUB Late Night, will continue this semester, regardless of the construction," said Craig Millar, associate vice president for student affairs. "Most services will be available during fall and spring semesters during the overall project."

The windows of the HUB south wall, facing the lawn on the first, second and third floors, are scheduled to be covered for safety reasons for the entire duration of the project. The HUB lawn entrance to the Penn State Bookstore has closed temporarily, but the main entrance will remain open.

The south entrances off Coaly's Cafe and the Eateries will remain open with protective walkways set up sometime in February. However, there may be temporary disruptions at times. The road between the HUB and McAllister Building will be the only entrance and exit for all construction vehicles during the entire project. The road will stay open, with access to the Henderson Building parking lot, but there may be frequent disruptions of traffic, Millar notes. The HUB parking deck remains open.

The construction manager for the overall project is Turner Construction Co.

In late May, key meeting rooms such as the HUB Ballroom and the Fish Bowl will close. For scheduling updates, student organizations and university departments planning events for 1998 and 1999 should contact Betsy Boyer, Office of Event Management, at 865-7973 or 226 HUB. The current Robeson Cultural Center will be available for events for most of the next two years, and space can be served by calling 865-1779.

The planned HUB-Robeson Complex will have a linear addition from the west end of the HUB to the middle of the south wall of the Penn State Bookstore. It will be connected to the existing building with a four-story atrium. Portions of the existing HUB will be renovated to incorporate the atrium and new Pollock Road entrance. The new Paul Robeson Cultural Center will have a distinctive oval shape at the east end of the addition.

For updates, check the web site at http://www.psu.edu/HUB/Expansion/

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Contacts:
Vicki Fong (814) 865-9481 (office) (814) 238-1221 (home) vyf1@psu.edu