By Selah Vetter
Contributing Writer
Samford University continues phase one of its 20-year-campus master plan. Additional renovations to the University Center will be finished soon.
Early this semester, Samford finished renovating the Food Court and opened that portion of the University Center. This included the reopening of many restaurants, such as Chick-fil-A, as well as the introduction of new ones such as Moe’s and O’Henry’s Coffee. Many students said they enjoy the new food vendors on campus and the additional seating. The university partnered with students during the Food Court renovation process, and students shared their feedback as well. Many students voiced their opinions on what they thought would be the most beneficial additions to the Food Court. Interior architecture students even helped design the newly-renovated Food Court.
“A team of students from interior architecture surveyed the student body for input on the elements they wished to see in the University Center. Then these students developed designs for the space. Their design themes were the basis for the updates,” Kim Brown, associate vice president for operations and campus initiatives said.
This week, the Dale Washington Courtyard is also scheduled to open. The university lowered the courtyard so it would be more accessible for students to use. Folding glass walls will allow students to enjoy both Harry’s Coffeehouse and the courtyard. The courtyard will also be used as an amphitheater and an outdoor venue space.
Many Samford students are pleased with renovations.
“I think the renovations are downright innovative. Every time I walk in I feel like I’m in a really exciting episode of Fixer Upper, and I’m slowly getting the University Center of my dreams. I’m so excited for the rest of the University Center to open,” freshman Brooke Steckmesser said.
Samford will continue renovations throughout the summer. Students can look forward to the renovations in the University Center being finished in the 2019 fall semester.
“The bookstore will reopen in June. The upstairs student commons, Student Life Building, and Talbird Circle will be finished by fall semester,” Brown said.
After the renovations in the University Center are finished, the Buchanan and Davis Library will be the last to receive renovations as part of phase one of Samford’s four-part master plan. Phase two includes renovating both Brooks and DBH.
“These spaces are meant to be a destination place for students to gather, study, eat, socialize, and interact,” Brown said.
