Plans to move forward with the renovation of Hubbell North – the area including Spike’s Pizza/Sub Shoppe, Spike’s C-Store and Cool Beans – were finalized Oct. 3 when the Drake University Board of Trustees visited campus and approved the measure.

Campus Advancement Senator Greg Larson (B, J2) reported to the Student Senate Thursday evening on his meeting with the board of trustees regarding grounds and facilities. The meeting produced a long-awaited decision on the renovation of the Hubbell Dining Hall.

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“All the trustees in attendance were impressed,” Larson said. “They actually made the call to have the meeting in Cool Beans so they could do a walk-through of the site.”

The board of trustees is broken down into smaller committees, focused on areas including campus and grounds and student life. The committees held meetings Oct. 2 and voted as a board on measures, including the Hubbell North renovation, on Oct. 3.

“I heard there was very little debate over the issue of Hubbell North,” Larson said. “They knew something needed to be done in that area.”

Larson said the board’s main concern was that not all of the money for the Hubbell North project was available up front.

“I’m so excited about this project,” Larson said.

Renovating the space has been in the works on campus for five years, Larson said.

“Jolene Schmidt (director of facility services) has been there for the good and the bad times of this project,” Larson said.

Last spring District Marketing Coordinator Rebecca Stamp and Dannie Crozier, director of dining services at Drake, organized a student focus group to gather ideas and input for improving the building.

The renovation is scheduled to begin after Thanksgiving break. The first step will be to close the Cool Beans space in upper Hubbell North. During Winter Break, Spike’s Pizza/ Sub Shoppe and Spike’s C-Store will close, and Olmsted Terrace Court operations will be adjusted to accommodate the closings for second semester. The plan for Hubbell North includes moving the food distribution and dining areas currently on the lower level to the space now known as Cool Beans. Food will be served in a setup similar to the current Olmsted Terrace Court.

The upstairs space will feature a glossy black floor, permanent seating around the exterior of the space and movable seating in the open space. The design includes keeping the stage, so the space can still be used for events hosted by student organizations. The lower-level portion of Hubbell North will become a student lounge, including general seating-style tables and chairs and three conference rooms available to individuals and organizations for group needs, such as meetings and study groups.

The board of trustees also held meetings on the functionality of the Bell Center for the student body. Dean of Students Sentwali Bakari said that other schools are highlighting recreation facilities as a major recruiting point for their campuses, and Drake may be at a disadvantage in this area. Bakari did not report any measures passed on this subject.

Senate also drafted a resolution in response to the 27th Street parking ban that has been widely discussed in the last few weeks. Last week, Bridgette Huntley (L2) asked Senate to write a measure on behalf of the student body, citing short notice of the ban to students and improper procedure on the part of the university.

According to the motion, “Although we understand the safety concerns expressed by the administration and the city – we are the voice of the students – we need time to find a different solution.”

The resolution was passed by the student senators and will be taken to the Des Moines City Council tonight.