Why a Student Center now?

The Shriver Center is a general campus center that is undersized and outdated for the current and future needs of students and the university:

• Students need a central gathering place on campus to focus and support the 24/7 Miami curricular and co-curricular experience

• Student organizations need office space, conference rooms, and event spaces to meet and to collaborate with other groups

• Students need formal and informal spaces for group meetings and study groups typical of the collaborative learning emphasis in classes

• Students need venues to hold large events on campus

• Miami needs to remain competitive to attract top-tier students – most peer universities have opened new centers recently and present both a functional and symbolic student-centered image to prospective students.

Campus Plan

The Bicentennial Student CenterMay 2009

April 2010

The original design called for the demolition of Culler, Gaskill, and Rowan and the construction of a new 205,000 square foot facility.

The new design integrates Culler, Gaskill, and Rowan and new construction in an imaginative architectural design for a 203,000 square foot facility.

The Bicentennial Student Center

Aerial View from the Southeast

Kreger Hall

Gaskill Hall

Upham Hall (partial)

Culler Hall

Rowan Hall

The Bicentennial Student Center

Aerial View from the Southwest

Kreger Hall

Gaskill Hall

Upham Hall (partial)

Culler Hall

Rowan Hall

Benefits of New Plan

• Preserves three campus buildings, integrating them into a creative architectural design

• Saves 40% over the construction costs of a completely new building (and demolition of three existing buildings)

• The reuse of buildings and building materials provides the opportunity to achieve sustainability recognition (LEED certification)

• Provides the ability to build the BSC in two phases, delaying the remodel of Culler until the Physics Department is able to move into a remodeled Kreger. Culler will be separated from the new building by a 30 foot fire code-required space until Phase II

Phase I of The Bicentennial Student Center

Aerial View from the South

Kreger Hall

Gaskill Hall

Upham Hall

Culler Hall

Rowan Hall

Project Cost Estimate

Ph.I building project cost: $40 M

Ph.II building project cost: $12 M

Total building cost: $52 M

Utility & relocation costs: $10 M

Total project cost: $62 M

Student Support

• Student Government has supported a new student center for the past 14 years

• Student surveys showed high level of support for BSC

• Students approved partnering with alumni and other donors for costs of construction 60%/40% (through student fees)

• Students approved paying for ongoing operation costs through student fees. Students will manage the BSC and have priority access at all times

• Parent’s Council supports student fees to fund BSC