Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Harrisburg U. releases features, renderings of new student center

A rendering (more below) of Harrisburg University’s new Student Union, now under construction inside Whitaker Center.

At one time, college student centers tended to be drab places, usually with little more than some old chairs and tables, maybe a worn sofa.

Not any more—at least not for Harrisburg University students.

When it opens, the new HU Student Union will have several unique elements, according to specifications from the university. In addition to the expected chairs, tables and informal meeting spaces, it will feature a wellness center, a gaming area and an aquaponics lab.

“This will be a state-of-the-art facility that will integrate student life with recreation and academics,” said Steven Infanti, HU’s assistant vice president of marketing and communications.

Since February, HU has been building out the multi-floor, 7,950-square-foot student center inside Whitaker Center, in the part of the 20-year-old building that once housed KidsPlace, an activity and exhibition area for children that since has been relocated. The renovation is expected to be complete in time for the fall academic semester.

Renderings show a sleek, industrial-style space with numerous separate areas to study, socialize and collaborate. Features include:

  • Dedicated, collaborative learning and small group areas, private study and conference rooms.
  • A custom-designed amphitheater outfitted with a large, multimedia video wall display.
  • An aquaponics lab surrounded by glass and equipped with two fish tanks and media beds, in addition to NFT (nutrient film technique) tables for growing plants.
  • A new mezzanine housing fitness and aerobic classes, private study space and a gaming area.
  • A full-service wellness center.

The student center represents the second major collaboration between HU and Whitaker Center. The university also houses e-sports practice and gaming areas inside the downtown arts center.

The Student Union also will help tie together the numerous HU buildings in downtown Harrisburg, including the planned, 17-story tower that soon will break ground at S. 3rd and Chestnut streets, Infanti said.

“This central location and the varied uses of the building will build a greater sense of community that links together the Academic Center with our student housing and our new tower,” Infanti said. “We are creating a place for everybody to congregate.”

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