Background Information
The Memorial Student Center (MSC) was built in 1985. While the facility has been maintained to the best of staff abilities, it has become apparent that our student body has changing needs and desires for their student center. Over the past 10 years the MSC staff has witness a steady decline in traffic in the MSC. At the same time we have seen nearly all of our peers in the UW System renovate or build new student centers.
In 2006, we hired Brailsford and Dunleavy (B&D), a project planning firm, to market study of the Memorial Student Center and its student body. Their data showed that we were right. The Stout student body was looking for more in their student center. The student body told us that the current MSC is too dark, has too many hallways and not enough open hang-out space. Specifically the student body was looking for vastly improved and modern dining facilities, an entertainment venue and hang-out space, and a building that is overall easier to navigate and more enjoyable to be in.
Since the submission of the Brailsford and Dunleavey study a Project Planning Committee, that has significant student membership, has worked hard to study and translate the B&D data into workable objective and an overall vision for the renovation project.
In the spring of 2008, SDS Architects and architectural firm Perkins & Will were brought on board as Pre-Planning Consultants. SDS/Perkins & Will have studied our data, listened carefully, and captured the vision and objectives developed by the Project Planning Committee. The series of presentations and open forums were held on Tuesday, September 23, 2008. They served as the culmination of their work and as capstone for the work done by the Project Planning Committee.
We would like you to take part and learn more about the renovation project. PLEASE, explore the documents, drawings, and information provided on this website.
We would love your feedback and ultimately we want to earn your support for the project. The Stout Student Association will be voting on this issue in late October. They need to hear from you about your support of this project!
Objectives
- Create contemporary, flexible dining services that will meet the changing needs of students.
- Update public area décor to be more welcoming (natural light, way finding patterns, signage).
- Expand existing and create new lounge spaces where students can ‘hang out’ and relax.
- Create a main street
concept on the lower level of the Memorial Student Center. Relocate student
organization offices and support services making them more visible and
accessible.
Vision for
Project
The Memorial Student Center will provide welcoming gathering spaces for the campus
and community. The environments will exhibit high-energy, bright colors,
and cozy, comfortable atmospheres. Cutting edge technology, flexibility,
and sustainability will meet the community’s ever-changing needs.
University Centers foster spontaneous interaction, collaboration, and learning
between students, faculty, staff, and the greater community. The MSC will be destinations to experience arts, discuss ideas, and embrace diversity, as well as a place to grow, socialize, study, eat, and have fun.