The $58.2 million Tate 2 expansion is in its final construction stages and will open for use in May, followed by an official opening ceremony in fall 2009.

“When the original Tate Student Center was created in 1983, the University already knew an additional facility would be necessary to keep up with the school’s growth in the future,” said Donald Reagin, Campus Life public relations coordinator.

Tate 2 will diversify the types of events the University hosts and will accommodate a greater number of students and faculty, he said.

In addition to increased lounging areas and meeting rooms, conceptual plans for the building include a small amphitheater that will seat 25 to 30 people and a new food court featuring Barberito’s Southwestern Grille, Larry’s Giant Subs and an Asian-themed restaurant, “Hotei’s,” operated by Food Services.

The 1,600 square feet originally designated for small retail stores will become a lounge area called the “Dawg Pen” located on the third floor, said Willie Banks, director of Campus Life and the Tate Student Center.

“The economy has been horrible lately and many of the retail businesses interested in buying space in Tate 2 can no longer afford to,” he said. “We have spoken with union directors at other universities and they are experiencing the same thing.”

Banks said despite the changes, the “Dawg Pen” will provide a fun environment with TVs, a few pool tables and Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii gaming consoles. The lounge will not replace the old Tate Student Center Gameroom, but will still provide an entertaining atmosphere for students, he said.

Holder Construction Company – responsible for the construction of Tate 2 – has worked to make the building more eco-friendly, said Bobby Woodard, Campus Life facilities and services director. On the new facility’s roof, a 28-by-12 foot cistern will capture rainwater for various plumbing uses, he said.

The expansion project has also supported the state’s economy by purchasing local equipment and products, Woodard said. The building may be eligible for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building certification.

University students supported a referendum to increase student fees by $25 per semester in March 2005 for the creation of Tate 2. The project is still on budget and the recent $100 student fee is not related to the expansion project, Woodard said.