With the help of numerous focus groups, task forces, and student input, the Bone Student Center revitalization that was decades in the making is a few finishing touches away from being complete.
The Bone Student Center attracts about 5,000 daily visitors and hosts more than 4,500 events in a typical year. As a landmark resource to the Bloomington-Normal community and a hub of student life at the University, the $32.9 million renovation identified three imperatives for the 47-year-old campus building.
Known as Illinois State’s “living room,” the revitalization plans were meant to excite and attract students to the building, create a new front entrance, and create more open light with a transparent design.
In addition to an overall change in space and aesthetic, there are also numerous restaurants for students and alumni to dine or grab a snack. McAlister’s, a Redbird favorite, still resides in the Bone Student Center, but new retail dining options include Starbucks, Qdoba, The Landing, and Star Ginger (coming spring 2021).
Not only are there new additions to food, but other areas of the building have also been renovated and expanded.
The first floor offers amenities such as access to courtyards and fireplaces, along with a new and improved Barnes and Noble for Illinois State gear and books.
New offices for the Dean of Students, Career Services, and additional spaces for Redbirds to dine and study occupy the second floor of the Bone Student Center. There is also a new outdoor balcony with seating for the community to enjoy.
Lastly, on the third floor, the Atrium offers impressive views of the Quad and is a great place for future Redbirds to begin their campus tours.
Check out a full tour of the renovated Bone Student Center below:
