Students are disappointed with the progress of the HUB renovations.
The project started last spring with the stairs facing the Academic Quad redone and a ramp added for accessibility. The Devil’s Den got a complete makeover, too.
These improvements lead students to be hopeful that the new renovations would make the architecture of the HUB fit better on Dickinson’s historic, charming, limestone dominated campus and be more accessible.
As the renovation of the beloved spiral stairs and the Britton Plaza area wrap up, students are upset to find the new HUB more modern and less accessible.
Sophia Jones-Tricomi 2’27 said that the new Britton Plaza looks “so sad,” without any grass or trees. Jones-Tricomi is a Hypnotic performer, and she further expressed her concerns about the lack of shade, with the removal of trees.
Britton Plaza hosts a variety of events over the school year, and many clubs are frustrated with relocating events and the progress of construction.
Lily Neemes 2’26 and Olivia Schrauwen 2’28 agree that the revocations look nice and clean, but Schrauwen said, “I don’t think it’s great.”
She commented on the new chairs, including the large bed-like seating arrangement tucked under the stairs in the HUB Underground, are “not practical.” Schrauwen continued, saying, “I don’t think they’re products that are made to last.”
Besides the material, students have voiced concerns about the bed-like seating arrangement in a college environment. The designers were most likely going for a homey, comfortable environment, but the actual effects are that of discomfort, because students are worried some will be too comfortable with the nature of the object. In fact, students commented they have not seen anyone sit on it yet.
Ellen Boldt 2’26 asked if the design was intentionally for sitting, noting it is not clear whether or not the structure is for that intended purpose.
Construction on Britton Plaza is supposed to be complete for graduation, so seniors can fulfill transition by stepping on the seal, but students and faculty are doubtful of that timeline.
However, President John E. Jones 7’77 commented in an admin meeting with the Dickinsonian, President John E. Jones ’77, commented that construction is a month behind schedule due to weather this winter, but he assured students that the seal will appear on Britton Plaza for graduation as the HUB reopens in stages.
