Melding Tradition and Innovation

The University Center

East Stroudsburg, PA

Founded in 1839, East Stroudsburg University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience emphasizing quality and collaboration in everything it provides. As a growing institution, ESU wanted to provide its students with a centralized facility that served as the bellwether location for campus life and interaction. Through a joint venture, EwingCole and WTW Architects provided the complete design services for ESU’s new University Center. The 166,802 SF facility will be a prominent face of ESU for visitors arriving for the first time. While a substantial portion of the brick façade elegantly blends with the broader aesthetic of the campus, glass portions create a sense of transparency and openness. Central to its unique design is the building’s atrium, which provides clear views, inside and out, via overhanging balconies and open stairs that are surrounded on all floors by soft lounge seating, enhancing its role as the campus ‘living room.’ The University Center will house an updated campus bookstore, an art gallery, a theater and a new esports center. Other spaces are earmarked for student service offices such as the E-Card office, Student Activity Association, Multicultural & International Support, and Career Services. Student gathering and organization space is prominent on the upper two floors – including the student newspaper, radio station, Veterans’ Center, Student Government Office, Student Senate chamber, commuter lounge, and Women’s & LGBTQ Center. The new center will also have a retail servery & dining area with a multipurpose stage, a student involvement center, and a ballroom that can hold 900 people for lecture seating and 400 for banquets.