Southern Utah University’s Sharwan Smith Student Center is undergoing renovations before school begins in the fall. Among those changes include several relocated offices, a clearstory in the main hallway, fresh paint, and new flooring.
Facilities management executive director Tiger Funk said the main goal of the project is to keep the building up to date and reflect university branding with the interior design.
“Keeping our buildings in top condition and providing innovative spaces plays a key role in attracting new students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus,” said Funk.
Ben Johnson, director of construction services, said being named “University of the Parks” has influenced the renovation. The extension of the clearstory will bring more light into the building, and moving the Outdoor Recreation Center to the main hallway will make renting equipment easier for all students.
The previous roofing in the main hallway had reached the end of its life and was in need of a replacement. Capital improvement funds from the Utah legislature helped construct the clearstory.
The total cost of the project is around $1.5 million with about $900,000 coming from student fees collected over the last couple of years.
Offices began moving out of the student center earlier in the year, but the major renovations began in early June. The project is expected to be completed by the end of summer, just before the majority of students arrive for the fall semester.
MESA was hired for the project’s architectural work. Carter Enterprises is working on the flooring throughout the center, Zwick Construction is doing the clearstory, and Nichols Building LLC is renovating the Outdoor Recreation Center.
RELATED ARTICLES
Korean students spearhead intercultural summer camps at SUU
SUU exhibit highlights Shakespeare in the American West
