Excavation and demolition work continues in preparation for the addition to the Slavin Center.

The Providence College landscape is changing again. The latest plan to be announced has students and administrators anticipating the arrival of a greatly expanded Slavin Center.

Construction began over Christmas break on an extensive project that will add 8,800 square feet to the existing structure. The south side of the building will be transformed into a two-story, glass-enclosed atrium-mirroring the design of the Ruane Atrium of the Concannon Fitness Center-that also will serve as the new main entrance.

The addition and coinciding renovations are intended to provide needed social and meeting space for students. The project, which will include student lounges and a new snack station, will provide 24/7 social space.

Completion of the project, which is expected to cost approximately $6 million, is scheduled for the beginning of classes in September 2009.

Administrators and students are optimistic about the new opportunities the enhanced Slavin Center will present.

"This new area will provide our students with another venue within which they can build relationships and strengthen bonds, and is well-suited to foster collegiality," said Dr. Steven A. Sears, dean of residence life. "Ultimately, this improvement will assist the community in which we live and work by inviting all our members to actively seek involvement in our many clubs and organizations."

In addition to the casual gathering areas, the project will upgrade studio space for WDOM radio and PCtv and provide improved media technology for offices such as The Cowl and Veritas.

"We want students to gravitate to it and claim a sense of ownership," said Christopher Fortunato, associate vice president for student affairs administration and dean of students. "We're not building for the sake of building. We want to reclaim this space as a vibrant, thriving student center."

Sharon L. Hay, dean of student programming, said the addition and renovations will have a very positive impact on student life and campus life in general. "It is just one more way we are enhancing the quality of life and offerings for our students," she said.

"We look forward," continued Hay, "to fully utilizing the new space to provide new services, to enhance the current offerings, and to encourage each and every student to get involved in co-curricular life at the College. The next few months are going to be very exciting as the construction continues and the new vision unfolds for the Slavin Center."

Students Intricately Involved
Student input has been vital in developing the plans for the updated facility. Four students are members of the Slavin Center Planning Committee along with administrators in the student affairs administration and facilities planning offices. Fortunato emphasized that the finished product will allow for both expanded programming and informal socializing, suitable for "everything from poetry readings to Super Bowl parties."

"This new space will fit one of the greatest student needs at Providence College," said Elizabeth Wolf '09, president of the Student Congress. "I think students will be excited and grateful for this new addition."

Fortunato described the renovated building as "an absolute cornerstone in how we're looking to transform student life here."

Sears noted, "The addition of more social space for students, faculty, staff, and visitors will ultimately increase the quality of life on campus."

- Joe Miller '10