Vinson Pressley/Staff Writer
Panther Square is set to undergo a makeover in the upcoming months.
Plans to renovate Panther Square have been approved and work on the project is set to begin May 1. The idea to renovate Panther Square began a year and half ago as simply an effort to remodel the flooring of Panther Square but after further consideration, it was decided that more needed to be done.
According to Pablo Haspel, president of the Student Government Council at Biscayne Bay Campus, a decision was made to “make a major investment” in this project, a project that was approved by SGA, the Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Larry Lunsford and University President Mark Rosenberg.
The renovations will include Panther Square itself, the computer lab, the balconies, and the outside area; renovations will be made on all three floors of the Wolfe University Center.
The purpose of giving Panther Square a new look is to “improve student involvement, student interaction [and have] students stay on campus,” said Haspel.
Haspel also said that no renovations have been made to Panther Square in almost 10 years and hopes that the new look will provide “space where [students] feel comfortable staying.”
Andres Bermeo, marketing coordinator for Campus Life-BBC said he is looking forward to the renovations. Bermeo mentioned some of the potential benefits such as a “bigger space to accommodate more students,” an upgraded HD projector which will help with their movie series and updated sound equipment.
Bermeo also suggested that there may be drawbacks, such as “demolition, noise and dust”, but nonetheless is in favor of the renovations.
Davon Johnson, senior journalism major believes the renovations are a plus as long as it does not raise tuition. “We’re worlds ahead right? Anything we can do to improve our campus, draw more students and make our campus [better],” said Johnson.
Tuition is usually an area of concern for students when they hear about new plans going into implementation.
According to Haspel, these renovations will not cause students to pay more for their education. “[The renovations] will not affect tuition. The funds for this project came from a special line item from the SGA Annual Allocation and another account from Student Affairs,” said Haspel.
Some students are not against the renovations but do not see a necessary need for them.
“It looks fine now. It’s not falling apart,” said Sofia Iglesia, sophomore biology major. Iglesia does not object to the renovations but doesn’t really see a fierce need for them either. “I don’t feel it’s urgent,” said Iglesia.
The renovations to Panther Square will certainly bring change, something some folks do not mind.
“Change is always good,” said Bermeo.
