Providence, R.I.--The Providence College Corporation and Board of Trustees have approved a $4.5 million, 8,800-square-foot expansion of the Slavin Center that will provide needed social and meeting space for students.

Construction activity has begun on the project with the erection of a perimeter fence. Excavation and demolition work will get under way shortly and, weather permitting, is scheduled to be completed by the time spring semester classes begin on January 20. The addition, which will be constructed on the building's south side and facing Slavin Lawn, is slated to be completed in September 2009.

A new lobby will become the main entrance into the Slavin Center. The existing sunken, exterior courtyard--that is adjacent to the current main entrance--will be enclosed.

The lobby will be one level and two stories in height. The glass-enclosed structure will parallel the design of the Ruane Atrium of the Concannon Fitness Center. Its standing beam metal roof will contain photovoltaic cells, which will convert the sun's rays into electricity. Engineers predict that the energy produced by the panels would be enough to light the new addition and operate the College's radio station, WDOM.

By enclosing the underused courtyard, the College will be able to create two new enclosed occupied levels to the building. The lower level will contain a student lounge with an adjacent coffee/smoothie area. The upper level will be a "quiet" student lounge space for studying and small social gatherings.

The project also will expand studio space for WDOM and PC TV.

The existing 61,400-square-foot Slavin Center was constructed in 1971. It is home to a multitude of functions that serve students including the Barnes & Noble Providence College Bookstore, '64 Hall, meeting rooms, McPhail's Entertainment Facility, the Office of Career Services, the Office of Student Activities-Involvement-Leadership (S.A.I.L.)/Slavin Center, the Office of Student Affairs, the Office of Off-Campus Living, the Department of Military Science, WDOM, and PC TV.

In a message sent to the College community, President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. '80 said he was pleased the project was moving forward.

"Our goal is to reclaim Slavin Center as a vibrant student union through thoughtful renovations that can provide attractive common gathering spaces and support new program initiatives," he said.

Father Shanley added, "While these troubled economic times may slow the pace of implementing certain strategic initiatives, the Corporation and Board of Trustees agreed that this project is critically important at this time to support a number of student initiatives."

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