Randolph College – Student Center

Lynchburg, Virginia

Transform the historic, iconic central campus building into a dynamic center where students relax, interact, enjoy. Functions include Skeller Snack Bar and Dining, main gathering area for student interaction, gaming areas, radio station: WWRM “The Worm”, student offices, student publication offices, board room and reception areas, small performance venue, aerobics and fitness center, outdoor dining and gathering deck.

 

The renovation of Main Hall has been a transformative one. Originally built in 1901, the tired dark building now boasts generous social spaces for students and stunning views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. A three-story entry vestibule with floor-to-ceiling windows is filled with light and contains a spiral staircase from the first to the second floor. The first floor, which is connected to the Main Hall lobby, features “The Street”, which runs through the Student Center and has a dramatic open gathering space on one side and an improved Skeller Snack Bar on the other. The Skeller has been expanded to offer more menu choices and more student-friendly hours. An outside deck provides spaces for meeting and eating outdoors.

 

The second floor serves as an entertainment floor, centered around a glass-enclosed radio station studio and houses student organizations as well. The focal point of the third floor is a fitness area with a mezzanine floor, featuring a cardio room with large glass windows offering a view of the mountains and spaces for yoga, pilates, and dance. It also includes a 90-seat theatre along with reception and conference rooms that retain the current vaulted ceiling beams. Chris Burnely, former VP for Finance, Randolph College predicted: “Renovating the current building not only saves money but is a more sustainable practice…it’s a fabulous space and structurally sound. We are going to open it up and make it place that draws people in. It will be more visually appealing and fun!” Mission accomplished: the Randolph College Student Center was named #7 “Most Amazing” in the nation in the 2015 student union rankings by Best College Values.