Gateway Study Center, circa 1960s

The growth of the campus has placed tremendous demands on the Libraries, especially for space. This past fall, students were greeted with root beer floats and music from the 1960s as the Libraries celebrated the renovation of the Libraries Gateway Study Center (one of the original campus buildings). Nearby, a large poster displayed archival photographs that documented the evolution of the building from a student dining hall in 1965 to a modern study center with comfortable and functional furnishings and 90 state of the art computers.

Gateway Study Center today

“The renovations are part of the Libraries’ efforts to maximize the usefulness of our physical spaces, provide a welcoming and productive environment, and meet the needs of the growing campus,” said Deb Sunday, Associate University Librarian for Administrative Services.”

The Libraries Gateway Study Center is a popular student destination for late night study throughout the year (until 3:00 am most nights) and 24 hours a day during finals. Heavy use, combined with major changes in the purpose of building, resulted in much needed updating and repair.

Phase 1 of the project included installation of carpet and all new study and lounge furniture; upgraded lighting, electrical outlets and network connections; and repaired and freshly painted walls and ceiling. Honoring the original Pereira design, a wood paneled wall was refinished to bring out the rich grain and beauty of the wood. The original dining hall kitchen was demolished to provide more space for an expanded computer lab to complement the wireless network. The overall impact of these changes is an open, inviting, functional, and comfortable space.

Festivities at the dedication event

“We’re very pleased that the renovations have brought more students into the center,” said Sunday. “Visits to the building increased by nearly 60% during fall quarter, with 33,000 additional visitors entering the building in the first month following the renovation.”

The Libraries are currently planning for Phase 2, which will open up additional areas of the building for public use and create new study rooms on the entry level. For further information, please contact Bruce Bromberger, Director of Space Planning and Facilities, at 949.824.3981 or bbromber@uci.edu.