posted on April 22: Move into MUSC Begins!

Finally, the move has begun. After two years of construction and numerous delays, the McMaster University Student Centre is open to receive its occupants.

Lori Diamond, administrative director of the centre, has moved her office into her new space on the second floor. “The food court furnishings arrived April 15, and the rest of the tenants move in during the weeks of April 22nd and 29th,” she reports. “Everyone is scheduled to be in by May 3rd.”

The $35-million facility, funded jointly by the McMaster Students Union (MSU/$20 million by 2009), the University ($11 million), and the McMaster Association of Part-time Students (MAPS/$500,000), will house the administration offices of the MSU and MSU-sponsored services such as the Student Health Services, the Centre for Student Development, Off-campus Housing and the Career Planning Centre. MAPS will also have office/lounge space in the building.

Diamond says that three third-party tenants will be moving in over the summer: a travel agent, a pharmacy and a photo shop. The Togo Salmon Cafeteria will be renovated during the summer months into a new campus restaurant and bar area, to replace the Downstairs John. The Centre will be fully operational and ready for the start of the fall term in September, she adds. Diamond expects there will be a “grand opening” celebration at that time.

In addition to the offices, services and food court, the Centre has an atrium lounge with skylights, a convenience store, a copy shop and 19 meeting rooms.

LET THE SUN SHINE IN: Lori Diamond, administrative director of the MUSC, in her new office on the second floor of the centre.(Top photo)

Pictured bottom right, a sunny view of the third floor hall of the new centre leading to some of the meeting rooms.