Willimantic, CT



The ECSU Student Center acts as the center of campus activity, functioning to promote student development and leadership, by encouraging self-directed activity options for the student body. Originally built in 1974, the existing student center was not meeting the needs of today’s students and campus administration determined a complete renovation was necessary to address current student body requirements. To that end, Newfield Construction, Inc. provided a complete gut and renovation of this 30,000 square foot building, and incorporated a new addition totaling 50,000 square feet. This addition connects the existing Sports Center with the renovated Student Center providing opportunities for educational, cultural and recreational needs, all under one roof.

Designed by Svigals + Partners, the new facility incorporates all new building systems, including roof, windows, electrical and HVAC. Design elements include exposed exterior columns dignifying the façade with a traditional image, and extensive use of exterior stone punctuated with an abundance of new windows adding natural light to a previously dark interior. The additions connect the Student Center with the Sports Center, all built on a radius, adding a level of beauty to this new campus center.

The newly renovated two-story facility houses a 5,000 square foot fitness center, café, library, all student clubs and organizations, Student Government Association, Campus Activity Board, Unity Center, and Women's Center and maintains office space on the lower level. On the Main Level, the facility houses a staged theater with sloped seating, ballroom, café, lounge, food court and dining/game room with see-through fireplace, meeting rooms and campus bookstore.

This facility has become hub for student interaction, studying and learning, and recreation.