Evans Student Center will look very different in the fall, thanks to extensive renovations planned for this summer. The upgrade — which is paid for through gifts to the university — includes a new restaurant, a relocated Starbucks, expanded seating areas, a concert stage and movie screen. And the demolition of walls will provide a more open floor plan.
“We have two primary goals — to create a better space and to add to and improve dining options for students,” said Dr. Brett Powell, vice president for administrative services. “We’re really opening up the second floor more … and renovating the whole area.”
Perhaps the most anticipated change is the addition of a new restaurant. The restaurant is not a national chain like Chick-fil-A, but is instead a concept designed by Sodexo. Powell said the decision on what the new restaurant will be has not been completely finalized, but it will most likely be a flatbread venue that will offer many options.
“We got a lot of good information from the focus group and the surveys in the Caf about what students want as far as dining goes,” Powell said. “Overall, we think they care most about quality, not so much about price. They want something quick, unique — something they can’t just go somewhere else in town for — and they want healthy options.”
The new restaurant will be located between Chick-fil-A and Tiger Grrrill. The counter will be enlarged and Chick-fil-A will move further towards the end it is currently on. Tiger Grrrill will move further towards the end it is currently on, freeing up extra space in the middle.
The waiting lines will also be adjusted to create a separate line for each food venue, and the cash register will be moved to relieve congestion. The seating in that area will also be rearranged to make it easier to get in and out, Powell said.
“We have a contract with Chick-fil-A that requires us to renovate it every five years to keep it updated and modern,” he said.
Because of the addition of another restaurant, the $400 flex dollars loaded on student I.D. cards will be increased to $450 per semester.
The seating around the staircase will be updated to include tables and booths.
The walls of the Growlery will be demolished, and it and the game room will be combined to provide additional seating. A small concert stage and a movie screen will be added, and some game equipment will remain.
Starbucks will relocate to this area, and will expand to include a display cooler with baked goods. It will also expand its existing drink menu. Powell said the new layout will resemble a Starbucks in an airport, with more counter space.
Powell said he and Sodexo are currently looking at whether or not to extend operating hours for the restaurants and Starbucks in the fall.
In a December interview with The Signal, Sodexo general manager Jon Fitzgerald said he was excited about the coming renovations.
“You guys are really going to see some changes next fall,” he said.
