Students might want to start saying their final goodbyes to the Danna Student Center.

Demolition and reconstruction of Loyola’s student center could start as soon as the next academic year according to University President the Rev. Kevin J. Wildes, S.J.

The reconstruction of the Danna Student Center into a new combined residence all and student center is a part of Loyola’s master plan for construction on campus.

Cissy Petty, vice president for Student Affairs and associate provost, said that once the board of trustees approves a bond issuance construction on the new student center and residence hall can begin.

“We are currently confirming space allocations and beginning to consider design concepts,” Petty said.

Wildes said that if things go well we could see the final design for the new student center late in the spring semester.

“I’d like to be able to get this to a real design by the end of this academic year,” Wildes said.

The goal of the new student center and residence hall is to increase occupancy on campus and provide a distinct housing option for upper class residents, said Petty.

According to Petty, the ability to house more students on campus would benefit Loyola greatly. “Research indicates that students persist to graduation in larger measure and have a more vital student experience,” Petty said.

A temporary loss of the student center will have an impact on the businesses held within. The bookstore, dining services, the post office, and many other departments and organizations will be displaced for the construction. The university is currently exploring options for the temporary relocation of everything housed in the Danna Center.

“Nothing definitive has been decided at this point, but chief among our concerns is making sure students have a central place to visit with their friends,” Petty said. “We want to try and keep as much continuity for students during this time of immense construction.”

The Danna Student Center received a $3 million refurbishment in 2007. Petty says that some of the investment will be carried over to the new building.

“We will literally be able to take our investments out of the building and use other palces, except for the paint on the walls,” Petty said. “We will actally use the furnishings, art and even carpet tiles in other areas.”

Sam Winstrom can be reached at [email protected]