“The USU has reinvigorated our entire campus and brought with it a new energy that was clearly evident during the Grand Opening Celebration,” University President Dr. Karen Hayes wrote in a recent blog. “I couldn’t be more proud of all of those who helped make our University Student Union a reality. The building truly represents the spirit and tenacity of our campus and our ability to get things done for the benefit of our students.”

The four-story, u-shaped facility adds roughly 90,000 square feet of new student life and commercial space to the growing campus, and features both indoor and outdoor amenities. Inside, students can take advantage of new meeting and study rooms, meditation spaces, gaming areas, an activity center and several new restaurants and cafes. A 9,000-square-foot flexible ballroom also adds new space for large-scale events, and offices have been established for a number of student-run organizations. Outside a 400-seat open-air amphitheater, multiple terraces, a broad pavilion and a roof top garden add roughly 10,000 square feet of useable space.

This living roof, designed and installed by Florasource, Ltd, is a prime example of the university’s commitment to sustainable building practices. The green feature will help lower the facility’s overall energy use, helping it to better maintain a comfortable temperature. Solar panels, an innovative water reclamation system, sustainable food service products and wide use of daylighting have also increased the building’s efficiency. Designers and school officials anticipate the USU will achieve LEED Gold certification.

As the facility is primarily for student use, student involvement was critical to the design process. “The USU was designed with the input of students and is all about serving students,” said CSUSM senior Dominica Ranieri, chair of the student-led USU Advisory Board in a January article issued by the university. “The new space brings a new vibe to campus, and will help create a stronger sense of community and collaborative spirit.”

The building is also proving to be a hit among students living off-campus. The USU’s dedicated commuter lounge offers features like locker rooms, comfortable couches, microwaves, computer and printing stations and even a shower facility.

Students were largely the driving force behind the building, and are also responsible for its funding. The nearly $44 million undertaking was supported through a voluntary increase in student fees, and the bonds to finance the project should be paid off by 2043. Following the vote to increase fees in 2009, crews broke ground on the facility in February 2012.

Hornberger + Worstell Inc. designed the facility and PCL Construction Services Inc. acted as the construction manager. Michael Gallen, PCL Construction’s project executive, said, "This project offered numerous technical challenges with the site’s multi-level geography. It’s now extremely rewarding to see students enjoying this space."

A virtual fly through of the new USU can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/1kPFk7P

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