The plans prepared by Massachusetts-based architectural practice Gund Partnership, will renovate and expand the The Hetzel Union Building (HUB), which is the center of student activity at the University Park campus.
Situated in the core of campus near the intersection of Pollock and Shortlidge roads, the HUB went through a renovation in 1998, which incorporated a permanent facility for the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, as a result, the daily traffic in the facility has increased significantly. To cater to the increased traffic, further expansion became necessary.
Totaling approximately 54,800 square feet of additional space and 52,000 square feet of renovated space, the renovation will expand and enhance a variety of student-related activity and service spaces, such as additional informal gathering areas and multipurpose rooms, as well as better-organized retail operations and other service areas.
The HUB expansion will provide much-needed space for student programming needs, student organizations and individual students. Apart from that additional seating and flexible programming space will also be included.
A new mezzanine in the Penn State Bookstore and a green roof above it will include space for seating, and a two-story, multipurpose flex theater will be added near the HUB parking deck entrance.
By modernizing the existing infrastructure systems, a THON retail store and a more prominent location for student leadership and activities will also be created. The project will also enhance the accessibility and architecture of the building from the east and HUB Lawn sides.
