Project File: Union becomes crossroads of campus

The HUB-Robeson Center expands the Penn State Hetzel Union Building (HUB) and adds a new facility for the Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC) at the University Park campus. Designed to appear as new construction, the project functions as a multipurpose building that facilitates the many services of the division of student affairs, as well as provides amenities for students, faculty, staff and the University Park/State College community.

The project added more than 70,000 square feet to the existing 154,000 square feet in the HUB. The Robeson Center added 20,000 square feet. The complex integrates 1,200 seats in an expanded food-service area, expanded student organization offices and student lounges, two new multipurpose auditoriums, new recreation center, new conference facilities, an expanded main banquet hall and connection to the existing Penn State bookstore — all under one roof.

Pedestrians can access the facility from all points, while traffic flow is simplified by a multilevel glass-enclosed main street that opens to a four-story atrium and expansive lobby.

Architect for the project is WTW Architects (Pittsburgh).

For more information on these projects and others, visit www.schooldesigns.com.