Several renovations have been made to Stover Center over the summer months, with a focus on a redecoration and reorganization of the Beehive on the second floor of the building.
A small, raised platform has been built in the northwest corner, which will be used as a stage. According to Pat Bristor, associate dean of students, the corner has been prepared for a stage since Stover was built.
“The stage was in the original design of the building,” said Bristor. “Back in the late 90s, when [the university] had to make cuts, the stage came out.”
To allow everyone in the Beehive to see the stage during an event, the stand-alone wall that spanned from the elevator has been taken down. Along with seeing the stage, the area is a lot more open. Some students, like senior history and political science major Olivia Schutz-Falandes, are pleased with the removal of the wall.
“It feels more open,” said Schultz-Falandes. “I rarely sit [by the wall] anyways, but now that the wall is taken down, I find myself occasionally in [the Beehive] more.”
The lounge area also has new wall paint, the university’s new “Grow” campaign and a honeycomb graphic design have been placed on some pillars. Bristor consulted with several faculty members, including Andrew Heisey, chairperson for the Fine Arts Department, in deciding these visuals.
Three charging stations with Apple and Android phone chargers have been placed along the wall on the left near the couches and windows.
Some of the furniture was also re-arranged. One of the tables of condiments and dining needs moved to the opposite side of the room. The small tables and chairs that were against the wall with windows looking over Johnson Commons moved to where the four trash cans were along the railing. The four trash cans are now distributed throughout the Beehive.
The food area for the Beehive has also received a facelift. Customers can now walk to the Grab-n-Go section at the beginning of the area on the left to pick up a variety of pre-made sandwiches and other types of refrigerated meals. The toppings, salads and fried food are also pre-made.
Bristor said the rearrangements were made so people could gather their food more quickly. However, Bristor said the renovation of the Beehive is not complete. She said the drink section will be renovated since the line is still long and slow at the busier times. Also, more signs and a design on the floor is in the works.
“The plan is, we are waiting for one more sign to be put up,” she said. “There will be a honeycomb sting thing that will match the color of the sign, so if you want Grab-n-Go, you’ll follow the dots from the honeycomb to the station.”
If anyone has questions or concerns relating to the Stover renovations, contact Bristor at pbristor@waynesburg.edu.
Paul Hicks - The Yellow Jacket