Continuing the university's effort to centralize services and student life in the Ellicott Complex, UB is moving forward with renovations to revamp the area formerly known as the Student Club. Construction is scheduled for completion by next semester.
"Ellicott is a complex that has no real front door, and it lacks a central service spot. We are going to do it," said Dennis Black, vice president of Student Affairs.
The university conducted research three to four years ago, which showed that drastic changes were needed in the Ellicott Complex so that students, faculty and staff would have a central location to eat, socialize and spend leisure time.
"Ellicott Complex was designed as six different colleges and different dining areas and offices. . The design was good for the building but not for the students, so here we are today doing the right thing," said Black.
Black collaborated with Mitch Green, executive director of Faculty Student Association; Clifford Wilson, associate vice president for Student Affairs; and Tenny Haley, a UB alumnus and a principal partner in Rochester's Pospula Associate Architects, in creating a plan for the centralized area.
According to Wilson, this $5 million renovation will help UB retain incoming freshman and create better sustainability for the more than 3,000 students who currently live in Ellicott.
New eateries include "It's a Wrap," a sandwich shop; "Greens and Beans," a salad bar; "Sizzles," a grill; and "Salsa," which will serve Mexican fare.
The renovated dining area will seat a total of 286 students - 64 students in the food court, 198 students in the atrium and patio area, and 24 students in hUBies. In addition, there will be twice as many vending machines with nearby seating added.
Green said the atrium will be complete with a "black drop for folk singers, a movie or even a small band" and that next fall, there are plans to build a Seattle-style coffee shop.
The Creative Craft Center has been moved to Harriman Hall on South Campus and the Oasis, a gaming area, has been removed all together.
Green, Wilson and Black said that there have been delays in demolition because of funding, selection of a contractor, and for the convenience of the students. Wilson said the contractors are constantly working and that construction is ahead of schedule.
"The goal was to only disrupt one semester," Black said. "Everyone who will live through the fall will benefit from the spring."
Carolyn Myers, a sophomore pharmacy major, said that she "like(s) the new Elli" and is excited about the changes and satisfied with the progress of the renovations.
Heather Weeks, a freshman dance major, said the renovations are a cause of aggravation.
"(It is) annoying that the construction is in the middle of where people need to go to classes," Weeks said. "I frequently get lost in the construction."
Wilson also said there will be "a lot of choice in the kind of food and drinks," providing the students with flexible meal options and enabling the university to "meet students' ever-changing tastes."
