Hamilton Center renovations aim for comfort, functionality

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Students returning from Fall Break Oct. 22 noticed some major improvements to their student center.

The interior of Ham Center has gotten a makeover, with new dining tables and chairs, high-top tables with electrical outlets and USB ports for charging phones and computers, and more. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 11 a.m. to officially unveil the changes.
The overall goal is to make Hamilton Center a more multipurpose and functional student center that can be used for more than just eating. The money used for this renovation is coming from Metz nonstudent funds that are used by student affairs to improve student life.
Outline of Ham Center Renovations

  • Three-Phase Plan – Phase 1: Interior (Fall Break 2018); Phase 2: Exterior picnic table area (Fall 2018/Fall Break 2018) Phase 3: Exterior grill area (upcoming Summer 2019).
  • Increased seating by 25 seats with new tables that are 2-tops, 4-tops, and 6-tops that can be joined together to seat more in one unified larger table. (The idea with the 2-tops are to accommodate student that may want to sit alone or in smaller groups while still allowing for shared spaces for dining and study).
  • High-top tables along the wall of windows that will have more electrical outlets for charging their devices.
  • A new 70-inch TV to replace the smaller TV near the bathrooms that can be utilized all the time and especially for events such as election days, club usages, campuswide events, sports viewing etc.
  • New tables, couches and booths as seating area near the new TV and bathrooms.
  • Larger geometric picnic tables outside Hamilton Center and new, more sturdy garbage cans.
  • New lightning for this outdoor student area that will facilitate and encourage more usage of this space after sundown.

In terms of community input, the summer RAs gave some input into the renovation plans and the NCSA was involved in the conversations that went into the decision-making process since last spring. For these renovations housing, student life, and facilities were involved in the design, layout, and selection of furniture.
Nearly all old furniture that is being replaced will be repurposed in various ways which include providing Four Winds Cafe with tables to replace their older not-so-solid condition tables, placing old tables in residential common areas such as Rhoda Pritzker Residence Hall (Z dorm) and Dort/Goldstein common areas. Lastly, the picnic tables currently outside of Hamilton Center will be moved closer to student dorms.
If you have any questions or inquiries regarding the renovation plans, please contact food service rep James Nunez ([email protected]),  Mark Stier ([email protected]), senior associate dean of Student Affairs, or Bill Moore, general manager of dining services.