New views, new space: A building construction update

As construction continues on the long-anticipated student center addition to Tower Hall, the project has encountered a small hiccup marked less by underground surprises and more by unpredictable spring weather. While last semester’s delays came from old piping, electrical rerouting and the “mystery tunnel,” the more recent setback came from something more simple: rain. 

“Right now we’re dealing with rain delays,” said Vice President of IT & Planning, Terry Cottrell, who has overseen the addition since its early stages. 

Despite the small delay, he remains optimistic about the overall timeline. 

“We’re still thinking somewhere over the summer… fall is the ultimate goal,” he said. 

The student center, which will connect Tower Hall’s auditorium and cafeteria, is designed to serve as a third space for student life. With some inspiration taken from the Fireside Lounge in the Motherhouse, the space will offer a new study area and gathering spot. For many students, the most exciting feature may be the building’s upper floors. 

“The main capture of the third floor is views of the quad from that height,” Cottrell said. 

The elevated view is expected to become a great addition to the new space, offering students a fresh vantage point of one of the more interesting areas on campus. 

While the student center is still the university’s largest active construction project, Cottrell noted that other, less noticeable campus improvements are happening behind the scenes. 

“Certainly nothing large-scale,” he said. “On the smaller-scale side of things, we’re trying to simplify a lot of the projection equipment in the classrooms.” 

Although less visible, these small updates work to improve day-to-day academic experiences by making classroom tech more reliable. 

The student center itself, however, remains the centerpiece of current campus development. Once completed, it will serve as a much-needed gathering space in the heart of Tower Hall. Although the project has faced its small challenges, the vision for the space has remained consistent. With summer as the target and fall as the ultimate goal, the USF campus community can expect to see the long-awaited student center take shape soon.