Curious about all the construction happening on the third floor of the S Building at the Downtown Campus? I was too. For months, there’s been drywall and dust covering the hallways outside the construction area near the cafeteria and the walkway between the M Building and S Building. There’s a sign announcing the new student hang out space is coming in 2024.

Behind the drywall, work is continuing on the Student Center Rec Lounge & Convenience Store. It will have pool tables, foosball, ping pong tables, pop-a-shots (indoor basketball hoops), and a variety of seating from tables to lounge chairs. There will be four interactive monitors for streaming and gaming, new conference rooms and a convenience store that will provide quick service items, like drinks and soup. There is potentially going to be a fireplace in the space as well.

When will it officially open? Construction Manager Tammy Ames says late winter is the target date, which is due to some “schedule shifting.” The bridge to the M Building needs to close, and Ames said, “we wanted to wait until Winter Break starts to minimize the disruption to students and staff.” While the bridge will remain closed when classes resume in January, Ames says students and staff can look forward to the new elevator in the S Building being open.

Hopefully, you’re looking forward to a new hang out space next semester. I know I am.