Utah State University Tooele campus is set to reveal a fresh look following a $1.5 million renovation project that took nine months to complete. The public is invited to get a glimpse of the updated facilities during an open house scheduled for Nov. 14 from 3-7 p.m., as detailed by USU Today. Staff members will be available to answer questions and guide visitors informally as they explore the campus.
The remodel, aiming to better serve the needs of students and the wider community, brought about several notable enhancements. To directly engage student voices in the planning stages, the administration notably sought and implemented their ideas, according to Jenn Cowburn, associate vice president for USU Tooele. The renovated spaces now include individual and group study areas, modern furniture, and improved accessibility. Additionally, new reception desks are positioned at entrances to help visitors more easily navigate the expanded grounds.
USU Tooele's efforts to minimize disruptions saw summer classes continue without interruption, with temporary office relocations and alternate classroom arrangements in place. Method Studio Design and Jacobson Construction spearheaded the redesign, with USU Facilities, Statewide Campuses leadership, and community partners providing integral support throughout the process.
The venue now boasts enhanced electrical and USB outlets for charging devices and is primed to accommodate more students and facilitate various educational delivery methods. Sean Camp, faculty of social work, appreciated the student-focused design, noting that the campus had transformed into "a warm, welcoming place for students to come and spend time," as he told USU Today. Similarly, Morgan Diederich, from the data analytics faculty, highlighted the significance of stepping into a space "designed with students in mind."
