UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Ongoing work to improve and expand Penn State's HUB-Robeson Center, which began in June, will continue through the end of 2014, with interior renovations expected to conclude in summer 2015. The construction project will incorporate several new options for students, faculty, staff and visitors to enjoy a wider range of multipurpose space, including enhanced dining and service areas.
The project includes more than 106,000 square feet of improvements — encompassing about 54,800 square feet of new space and 52,000 square feet of renovated space. The project also will enhance the accessibility and architecture of the building from the east and HUB Lawn sides.
As the project moves forward, pedestrians are encouraged to be aware of detours and to follow expansion and renovation updates on the Union and Student Activities website (http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/hub/expansion), Facebook page (http://facebook.com/HUBExpansion) and Twitter account (http://twitter.com/HUBExpansion).
Plans include a new mezzanine in the Penn State Bookstore and a green roof above it, which will offer space for outdoor seating, and a two-story, multipurpose flex theater will be added near the HUB parking deck entrance. A THON retail store and a more prominent location for student leadership and activities also will be created.
In advance of Penn State Bookstore renovations, the store has been relocated into temporary units on the HUB Lawn through July 2014. The food service area will be renovated during a phase of the project beginning in 2014.
Penn State trustees on May 3 approved final plans prepared by GUND Partnership of Cambridge, Mass., and authorized the University to award contracts for the University Park campus student union's addition and renovation.
The project will be paid for primarily from student facilities fees, HUB reserves, Food Services funds and bookstore reserves.