The Bone Student Center Revitalization project continues to progress on schedule.
“We have been very pleased with the project so far,” said Assistant Director of Marketing, Training, and Hospitality Erin Watts. “It is extremely exciting to see changes and progress as you enter the building each day.”
The Bone Student Center revitalization project is the result of a 15 year-plus plan to modernize the Bone Student Center by imbuing the space with natural light, open-concept seating areas, new flooring, and furniture, and revamped dining options. The $33 million first major upgrade to the 45-year-old building is being paid for primarily with reserve funds. No tax money will be used, and there will be no increase in student fees, Watts said.
Renovations have been broken out into three separate phases in order to ensure the Bone Student Center remains in operation during construction.
Phase one of the project, which includes enhancement of the east and west side entrances, renovation of the Brown Ballroom, construction of a new two-story atrium and welcome center on the third floor, an updated courtyard space, a new campus Starbucks, and additional dining locations on the second floor, is in full swing and expected to be finished by spring of 2019.
However, students can expect to see some of the changes planned in phase one come to fruition before spring break 2019. Early this fall the west entrance of the Bone Student Center will be available for use. Einstein Bros. Bagels, Pizza Hut Express, and the Atrium, which are closed through the summer for utility work, will be open again come the start of the 2018 school year.
As construction continues, and entrances like the west side entrance become available for use, occasional closures of other entrances will occur. Director of Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality (EMDH) Bill Legett said that when new closures occur, appropriate signage and social media updates will be posted well before they happen to preemptively notify students and staff.
Legett says students will start seeing the project round into shape during the upcoming school year.
“You’ve seen plenty of construction,” Legett said. “Now you’ll start to see the progress take shape.”
Phase two and three will be complete by fall 2019 and spring 2020, respectively, less than two years’ time from now. Watts is enthusiastic about the project’s completion.
“We understand that this is something very special, a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Watts said. “We very much look forward to seeing the new spaces utilized the way we envisioned.”
“The Bone offers a home away from home,” Legett said. “We hope the enhancements create even more special experiences for all Redbirds.”
To learn more about the Bone revitalization project, view construction progress, and receive updates on service availability, check out the Bone’s website and be sure to follow their social on Facebook, @ISUBone; Instagram, @EventsandFoodatISU; and Twitter, @EventsFoodISU.
