More changes are coming to the Kirby Student Center. Not even one year after the Kirby Student Lounge renovation finished, UMD has launched another remodeling project. The first level of Kirby Student Center is getting a makeover. The four current student organizations that hold residence in the space are Student Association, Kirby Program Board, Greek Life and the Statesman. The last major facelift to occur in these offices was in the late 70s. Now the physical spaces of these student organizations will undergo big changes in early 2015.
Jeni Eltink, Director of KSC, said that Kirby is taking this space that is so secluded and dated and making it new.
Starting in January, the brick walls along the right side of the KSC hallway will be knocked down and the entire area will be raised 12 inches off the ground. Steps and ramps will be put in. The KSC area, as a whole, is being opened up, lightened and made very accessible.
Divine Bakare, member of both SA and KPB, is most excited about the changes to the physical appearance of the offices.
“I really don’t like the brick wall,” Bakare said. “I try and cover it up as much as I can.”
The layout is not set in stone — there are still some finalizations that Kirby needs to make.
“It will be a complete gut, and then it will be rebuilt,” Eltink said. “We want to provide a more usable and efficient space.”
In addition to the four student organizations that will encompass the first level of KSC, Kirby will also offer social spaces for the use of the general student body. Just like the lounge across the hall, the first level of KSC will also be a space in which students and staff alike can enjoy.
“When the project is complete, people will be able to actually see what’s happening in those offices,” Eltink said.
Each of the four student organizations will have their own office that will be made more visible to those walking by or those hanging out. This visibility will benefit recruitment, according to Eltink.
The first level KSC renovation is expected to be complete in August. Come spring semester, students can expect some minor changes and disturbances due to construction in the Kirby area.
Johnson Wilson Constructors, a local firm that also built the Kirby Lounge, will do their best to minimize disruption on students. The width of the hallway will remain as it is.
UMD Facilities Management is also doing significant upgrades to the air handling, fire alarm and heating systems in the area.
The project is being funded through student service fee dollars and was fully approved by the student service fee committee.
“We’re excited to be able to give back to the students and impact their experience here at UMD,” Eltink said.
BY AISLING DOHENY Staff Reporter