Renovation Under Way

The Eddie Layton Student Union in the New York City downtown campus underwent major renovations and reopened as a completely redesigned, state-of-the-art facility in February, 2005.

Below is information during the 2004 renovation.  

“It’s long-awaited, and the students are very excited,” says Dean for Students Marijo Russell O’Grady. “It’s something the students—particularly the student government and the student leaders—had talked to President Caputo and to me about. We were able to find the funding for it, so it’s time.”

The new and expanded student union, located on the B-level in One Pace Plaza, will contain a study room set up for wireless access; a game area with ping pong and pool tables; lounge areas; an art gallery and a meditation space; and an 1800-square foot space for movies and dances. The health care unit previously found next to the student union was moved to 41 Park Row to make room for the mini-theater, which will have a concession area as well.

According to O'Grady, the new space "has more functionality to it. When the Pace Board does its weekly programming movies, you would have 45 students in the whole student union and nothing else could happen. Now, since we're soundproofing, they can have their movie nights in the back, which will seat 100 or so, and then something else can happen there, too."

Students can also look forward to relaxing in a bright, modern environment, which O’Grady terms “cosmopolitan casual. It's going to be an uplift, and students will see that they’ll have positive changes on the New York City campus.” To see what the Eddie Layton Student Union will look like, visit the  floor plan page and view virtual preview of the new student lounge.