In one of my previous blog posts on the Loveliest Village I wrote about the recent development for the idea of a new student activities center for Auburn’s campus. Since the presentation given to the board of trustees back in late August, many exciting things have happened.

After filtering through more than 30 architecture firms, the bid for the potential building was narrowed down to four firms. In order to make their final choice, Hayes’ student activities center committee along with other university planning administration conducted what are known as design charrette selections. This basically means that each firm presented and proposed their design for the new center. After much consideration, the chosen firm to accomplish the task is 360 Architecture, whose headquarters are in Kansas City, Missouri.

360 Architecture has built state-of-the art structures for large companies such as the H & R Block Center and the Sprint Center. They are also leaders in designing structures in a sustainable manner. They have won various awards for this work such as the Excellence in Environmental Diligence Award. As of current, 360 Architecture is in the planning and schematic phase for the future activities facility.

One of the biggest issues in order to build a new activities center is the site. Instead of searching our expanding campus for a site, the committee has chosen to carry out what is known as an adaptive reuse project. This essentially means that 360 Architecture will take the present structure of the Student Activities Center, renovate the current structure interiorly and exteriorly and also add on to the original building.

In a past interview I had with Bobby James “BJ” Haisten about being a Plainsman, I had the opportunity to talk with him about the new center as he helps plan with the new student activities center committee. BJ explained his excitement for the potential center by telling me, “Auburn has the opportunity to propel itself into the upper echelon of student recreation facilities nationally. This is the most exciting thing happening on campus right now. This project will be more than just a student activities center, it will encompass multiple aspects of human wellness.”

When BJ mentions “human wellness” it entails much more than what we have now in our current center. In the new center, ideas for a leisure pool, nutritional instruction, and indoor track are just a few of the many amenities that will be present. Aside from being a place for students the new center will also act as a home for the department of Kinesiology.

With all of the countless hours of planning that are taking place, the construction of this new building still lies in the hands of the students. As of now the committee and others are continuing on a path for the new center for the students. Ultimately, It is up to the student body to vote on SGA election day, whether to increase student fees or not in order to commence the beginning of this project. If you would like to find out more information about our campus’ projected activities center, have patience, a new site is being designed to incorporate future plans and conceptual designs for the structure.




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