Illinois State University’s Board of Trustees gave approval for construction to begin on the first phase of a Bone Student Center revitalization project. The cost of the $32.9 million project will be covered primarily with reserve funds.
The first phase of the revitalization project includes relocating the catering kitchen from the second floor to the first floor, redesigning the loading dock on the north side of the building, renovating the vacated second floor catering kitchen space to accommodate an expanded food court and Student Involvement Center, improving entrances on the building’s west side, constructing a new entrance for access from the visitor parking lot, installing moveable dividing walls in the Brown Ballroom, and constructing a foyer/reception area attached to the ballroom. Other projects include development of space for Campus Dining Services administrative offices, the construction of a welcome center to provide services for visitors and students, and the relocation of the Barnes and Noble Bookstore from the second floor to the first floor.
Funding for the project will come from reserve funds in Campus Dining and the Bone Student Center, proceeds from a new future bond issue, and funds from the Dean of Students Office. No new student fees or increase in existing student fees will be necessary to pay for new bonds issued for the project.
The four-story, 118,669-square-foot Bone Student Center was built in 1973 and serves as a gateway to the University for visitors, including prospective students and their families. In 2010, a comprehensive master plan for Bone Student Center was developed and identified improvements to better meet current and future needs of the University.
