College launches $1.6M student project

SARASOTA — The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee will break ground this summer on a $1.6 million Student Commons.

The project, when complete, will give students an area to study, exercise, relax and socialize, a statement says. It will feature a lounge, a gaming area, a coffee bar and pool, foosball and ping pong tables. USF is also expanding the fitness area, the statement says.

“This will definitely help us as we move forward and try to build a student-centric culture on campus,” says Alex Benishek, student body president, in the statement.

Students are funding the project through capital improvement trust funds and student activity and service fees that have amassed over several years, the statement says. “By spending this money in this way, it shows the university can grow as the student population grows,” Benishek says.

Construction barricades for the work were put in place May 4, and demolition is expected to be completed this week, the statement says. The entire project will run three-and-a-half months.

“This really is student-driven, says Rick Lyttle, director of Facilities Planning and Management at USFSM. “Students were involved in every aspect of the design. It's also part of our strategic plan to repurpose our building for enhanced student use.”