Student Center Feasibility Study, Youngstown State University

The Kilcawley Student Center at Youngstown State University hasn’t seen a major renovation since 1979, when it was expanded to its current size. The MEP systems are past the end of their useful life, the building program is missing competitive amenities, and accessibility is limited. WTW facilitated an inclusive study process that gathered input from students, staff, faculty, and administrators through focus group sessions, open forums, poster sessions, and monthly steering committee meetings. The developed program was tailored to the YSU campus culture, as well as client desire to provide spaces supporting collaboration, wellness, and accessibility.

The existing union was benchmarked against peers based on both enrollment and those who are identified competitors, to identify what elements are undersized, which are oversized, and which are missing. This data is excellent for initiating discussions with campus stakeholders and setting programming direction. The final report was successfully presented to the Board of Trustees in Spring 2022 to facilitate an upcoming renovation project to the 157,000 sf facility. Discussions were held about phasing opportunities for the proposed $30-$40M renovation project that will increase student collaboration space, improve accessibility, and replace MEP systems.