Historic church structure to become haven for student life
Numerous expansions at GC&SU are adding glamour and prestige to the campus, and the new Student Activities Center, located in the historical First United Methodist Church across from front campus, will be no exception.
The SAC is expected to be open for students and staff in January, according to Tom Miles, director of campus life and activities.
The renovated church will offer offices for the Student Government Association and the Campus Activities Board, conference rooms that can hold up to 99 people for any registered student organization that seeks one, large game and activities rooms, a student leadership center and much more.
The biggest enrichment for GC&SU will be the grand Magnolia Room.
“The ballroom can fit up to 600 people standing and 400 seated,” said Miles. “The room has a stage for productions and speeches, a state-of-the-art audio system, a projection screen, and will fit a mobile 300 X 300 ft. dance floor.”
Each of the main rooms are named after trees that grow in the area. The ballroom is known as the Magnolia Room, the Oak Room will hold student offices, the Pine Room will be a versatile lounge area and the Maple and Dogwood are conference rooms.
According to Rick Ruark, associate director for planning, construction and business services, the church was built in 1902 and held services in the church until GC&SU bought it December of 2003 and began construction soon after the building was purchased.
The building will maintain the historical architecture that is seen in the Magnolia room: enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, detailed designs on the ceiling and walls and a balcony that will be limited to technical staff only.
The current Maxwell Student Union will remain a place for students to relax and hang out, as well as be a neighbor for the expanded bookstore.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Oct 8 2004. Filed under News.
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