Saint Louis University’s Bauman-Eberhardt Building, formerly the West Pine Gym, is being renovated into a state-of-the-art Center for Global Citizenship.
The 70,000-square-foot center will feature a large internationally themed student commons surrounded by intercultural academic and student support programs, including state-of-the-art conference rooms that have worldwide teleconferencing abilities, a classroom dedicated to supporting international teaching, a high-tech auditorium that has more than 1,000 seats, and a cafe that will feature international cuisine. A high-tech bridge with video screen composed of 25 separate LCDs and retracting curtain has been situated at the former half court dividing the space in two. The space is designed the space to be as flexible as possible in order to serve multiple purposes as needs change.
In addition to serving international students, whose numbers have grown to more than 1,000 students, the center will encourage all students to develop as globally diverse leaders by using modern technology to connect local and international worlds, says Jeff Fowler, SLU’s vice president for advancement. A Global Citizenship Proficiency Program is being developed to create an intellectually stimulating environment for students and to serve as a launching pad for unique educational experiences.
“We want SLU students to become citizens of the world” says Fowler. “This center— and all of the activities that will take place in it—will give our students a truly global experience right here in St. Louis.”
The $8 million renovation is projected to be completed in May. Fox Architects (St. Louis) designed the space; McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. (St. Louis), is general contractor.
