May 1, 2009

Hunton Student Center receives national facility design award

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By Malorie Burkett

Hunton Student Center
Hunton Student Center

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Hunton Student Center on the MCV Campus is one of five recipients of the Association of College Unions International Facility Design Award.

The award recognizes excellence in design of college unions as well as other student-centered campus buildings.

“The renovation of the Hunton Student Center at Virginia Commonwealth University was extremely popular with students,” said Erik Johnson, senior associate, EYP Architecture & Engineering. “It has fully met the originally stated project goals and has re-established the role of this historic structure as a vital center for student life.”

Renovated areas include the rear building entrance, student lounge, student learning center, dining area, recreation area and office space. 

The design of the historical timeline panels correspond to stained glass windows, harkening to the Hunton Student Center's origin as a church. An etched image of the Egyptian building runs across the panels.
The design of the historical timeline panels correspond to stained glass windows, harkening to the Hunton Student Center's origin as a church. An etched image of the Egyptian building runs across the panels.

“The award validates our belief that saving this historical structure by creating a modern student center, while honoring its past as a church, was more than the right thing to do,” said Tim Reed, Ph.D., director of University Student Commons & Activities.

Hunton Student Center is located on the corner of Broad and 12th streets. The first floor has an information center, an activity room and the Hideaway Café, which includes Bene Pizza, Starbucks Coffee and a Boar's Head Deli.

The second floor has a main lounge, offices for the dean of Student Affairs for the MCV Campus, and a Learning Center managed by VCU Libraries. The third floor has study rooms and offices for the MCV Campus Student Government Association.

This year’s other recipients are:

• The Collaborative Inc. – John L. and Christine Warner Library and Student Center, Ohio State University–Newark/Central Ohio Technical College
• Mackey Mitchell Architects – Ridgway Student Center, University of Evansville
• Workshop Architects – University Center, University of Wisconsin–River Falls
• WTW Architects – Dudley H. Davis Center, University of Vermont

ACUI is a nonprofit educational organization that brings together college union and student activities professionals from hundreds of schools in seven countries. Its members work on urban and rural campuses, in two- and four-year institutions and at large and small schools.