The formal opening of Farmingdale State College's new $25 million Campus Center is set for Friday, but the building's doors were open to students and faculty with the start of the new semester Monday.
The 50,000-square foot building boasts new dining facilities for resident and commuter students, a campus bookstore, a ballroom for lectures and special events, a student lounge, and several unique architectural features.
Students and faculty, college officials and key legislators are expected to attend as College President W. Hubert Keen leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday.
The building was constructed by J. Kokolakis Contracting Inc. of Bohemia. It was designed by Kevin Hom of Hom & Goldman Architects.
The Campus Center has a roof constructed of energy-efficient materials. The ballroom will have a capacity of 400 for lectures and events and 220 for dinner-style seating. A special feature of the building is the oculus—a rounded skylight—in the lobby that provides a spacious atmosphere as well as lounges. The Center will be open daily from 7 a.m, to 11 p.m.
The building is part of Farmingdale State's $185 million renovation and construction plan. Other new construction projects include a building for the School of Business, a new Information Commons, a new Children’s Center, renovations of academic buildings and research laboratories, expansion and enhancement of athletic facilities, and reconfiguration of roadways.
