September 28, 2012
A revitalized campus coffee house, a new theater for student
performances and an impressive gate for the flagship campus — these
and other improvements greeted students, faculty and staff
returning to St. John’s University for the Fall 2012 semester.
The Office of Campus Facilities was hard at work this summer,
with projects to enhance academic and student life on the Queens
and Staten Island campuses. The initiatives are part of Facilities’
ongoing efforts to strengthen St. John’s appeal as a place to live
and learn.
Photo
Gallery
“We understand the important role that campus environment plays
in our students’ education,” said Brij Anand, Vice President of
Facilities. “So our goal is not only maintaining, but constantly
evaluating and improving, all campus facilities for academic and
recreational use by our students. We want them to have a memorable
experience at St. John’s.”
Staten Island Campus
Black Box Theater: Providing a dedicated space for the arts on
campus, the former Spellman Café has been converted into a
versatile space for the Dramatic Arts program to stage a variety of
student productions and performances previously held in the
Gymnasium.
Queens Campus
Main Gate: Construction this summer adds a new entrance to the
campus, featuring high stone piers and curved walls that reflect
the neo-Tudor architecture of the campus’s older buildings. The
design more efficiently conveys pedestrian and vehicular
traffic.
Step Terraces: At the Lower Grove Plaza, the Office of
Facilities transformed the once-crumbling stairway by St. Augustine
Hall into an attractive, landscaped area. The change was made
possible by the construction two years ago of the grand stairway
joining the plaza with the upper campus.
VISA Offices: Renovated space in Lourdes Hall now houses all
units of the Vincentian Institute for Social Action: Academic
Service-Learning, Advantage Academy, Faculty Research Consortium,
Outcomes Assessment, Ozanam Scholars program and St. John’s
Press.
Toxicology Laboratory: This enhanced space offers new facilities
for teaching and research in St. Albert Hall, including new
casework, a fume-hood, flooring, lighting, counters and desk
space.
The School of Law / Student Activity Area: Located in the Law
School’s ground level, the facility has been enhanced with a more
flexible layout, private offices, new ceilings and lighting,
upgraded power, data installations, new furniture and AV
equipment.
Sodano Coffee House: A donation from the Sodano family supported
the construction of this new facility on the third floor of the
D’Angelo Center. A former seating area now serves as a place for
refreshments and live performances.
Taffner Dance Space: Responding to student requests for
rehearsal space, an under-used portion of the Taffner Field House
lobby now features mirrors, curtains, lighting and ceiling height
to accommodate many dance styles.
Taffner Locker Rooms: Part of the University’s plans to improve
athletic facilities, extensive improvements to the men’s and
women’s basketball locker rooms include more space, new lockers,
upgraded AV systems, 70-inch televisions, renovated shower areas
and inspirational branding throughout.
The Office of Facilities Services is delighted to share this
news about the latest improvements to the Queens and Staten Island
campuses. The office will continue to update the University
community about ongoing enhancements.