Cleveland State University - New Student Center
Cleveland, Ohio
An essential component of the Cleveland State University Campus Master Plan, the new Student Center was designed to be a living and learning center that promotes interaction, conversation and community among students, faculty, staff and visitors. It has become the campus’ public gateway, enhancing the University’s image and creating an open connection with the city, while offering a wide range of services to students and faculty. The Student Center houses the bookstore; restaurant-style and quick dining options; student lounge and game room; offices of student organizations, activities and governance; conference and ballroom space, and multiple meeting rooms.
The University retained Heery in 2007 as the program manager for the $41.5 million signature project, which replaces the five-story University Center built in 1974. The tight, urban site presented many challenges - demolition of the University Center and construction of the new Student Center required careful planning, scheduling and oversight in order to manage traffic, control noise levels, dust control and to maintain a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff and general public.
The new three-story, 130,000 SF facility provides connections to newly renovated outdoor plazas; an inner link on the second floor connects the Student Center to the Main Classroom Building and the Music and Communication Building, part of an overall campus link that spans nearly 10 city blocks. The construction also includes enclosed parking beneath the Student Center and site improvements surrounding the building.
BIM played an integral part in the early coordination effort between structure, architecture and mechanical systems. Heery was able to successfully implement an aggressive construction schedule with a plan to bid multiple prime contracts and construct the Student Center in overlapping and staggered phases, beginning in the design phase. This strategy ensured a successful and on-time occupancy in May 2010. The Student Center is targeted for LEED Silver Certification.