Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., is best known for its collegiate aviation program. It makes sense, then, that the planned 25,500-sf student center is designed to pay homage to the university’s heritage in aviation and aeronautics.
Some of the key elements of the structure include a 2.5-story glass atrium, dining hall, several outdoor terraces, and student life areas for gaming, recreation, media, and club activities. Perhaps the most unique aspect of the project, which was designed by Wight & Company, will be a vintage plane suspended by cables in the building’s atrium.
Enrollment at Lewis University has been steadily growing over the past decade, which has led to a large number of construction and renovation projects on the campus. Wight & Company was the architect for many of these projects.
The building will be Lewis University’s first-ever dedicated student center and will cater to both commuter and residential students. The school has announced its plan to name the center for its recently retired president Brother James Gaffney, FSC.
The project has just recently broken ground and is expected to be completed in August 2018.
Rendering courtesy of Wight & Company.
Rendering courtesy of Wight & Company.
Related Stories
Giants 400 | Aug 28, 2020
2020 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms
The 2020 Giants 400 Report features more than 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.
University Buildings | Aug 27, 2020
Eight strategies for achieving successful P3 development models
Transparency and communication are imperative, says new white paper on these agreements.
University Buildings | Aug 20, 2020
Student housing in the COVID-19 era
Student housing remains a vital part of the student and campus experience.
University Buildings | Aug 12, 2020
The University of Toronto’s new learning and support hub is a ‘learning landscape’
ZAS Architects designed the building.
University Buildings | Aug 11, 2020
UC Davis’s new dining commons is a nod to the region’s agricultural roots
HED designed the project.
University Buildings | Aug 5, 2020
Oklahoma State University’s North Academic Building begins construction
Dewberry designed the project.
University Buildings | Aug 3, 2020
5 reasons universities are renovating student housing
Clark Nexsen’s Student Life practice leader, Peter Aranyi, discusses the benefits of renovation and why it offers particular value to campuses nationwide.
University Buildings | Aug 2, 2020
R&D hubs, modular-built hotels, and an award-winning student center on the August 6 “The Weekly”
R&D hubs, modular-built hotels, and an award-winning student center on the August 6 “The Weekly”
University Buildings | Jul 24, 2020
A hybrid learning approach could redefine higher education
Universities reassess current assets to determine growth strategies.
Laboratories | Jul 24, 2020
Customized labs give universities a recruiting edge
CO Architects is among a handful of firms that caters to this trend.
