Texas A&M University-Commerce Expands Student Center

October 23, 2013 1702 Views A New Courthouse Paradigm, Central U.S., Chuck Oraftik, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

COMMERCE, Texas — Pittsburg-based WTW Architects is set to design the expansion of Texas A&M University-Commerce’s Sam Rayburn Student Center in Commerce, Texas. The firm completed the student center back in 2009, and since the university was so pleased with their work, they have been selected to continue the expansion.

“While the Sam Rayburn Student Center was completed in 2009, continuing student growth, the success of the Rayburn Center and additional campus improvements including new residences led to the decision to further upgrade the dining opportunities in the center,” according to Brian Nichols, former vice president of student affairs at A&M-Commerce.

Teamed with VAI Architects of Dallas, WTW Architects is designing a 29,000-square-foot addition to provide additional seating for another 350 people, a private dining area and two new food service opportunities – a salad bar and Action Station that will feature daily changes with featured entrees.

Construction of the $7.7 million addition should begin soon and will be substantially completed by fall 2014. The original 92,000-square-foot student center has become the hub of student life on campus and was recently honored by the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) with its 2011 Facility Design Award of Excellence.

The Sam Rayburn Student Center features a dramatic two-story main entrance atrium that showcases the energy and features excitement of the center with views to student lounges, dining, bookstore, café’ and student club offices. In the evening, the entrance is a translucent cylindrical lantern displaying these interior activities and inviting all to enter and participate.

Located in Commerce, Texas, an hour northeast of Dallas, A&M-Commerce was founded in 1889 as East Texas Normal College. The university became a member of the Texas A&M University System in 1996. The university offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate degrees and has a diverse student body of over 11,000 students.