The administration decided to move the game room after an investigation into possible locations for the CCE. According to Associate Dean of Students and Director of the Campus Center Samuel Haynes, the administration decided that the old game room space would best suit the new CCE offices.
The CCE occupies 2,200 square feet, while the new game room occupies 1,350 square feet. The old game room occupied 1,500 square feet. The student government office was also displaced by the CCE and moved to the bottom floor of the Campus Center, in the former location of the Outreach Office.
"The project this summer was initiated by the desire to locate the new Center for Community Engagement right at the crossroads of the campus where it has the most presence to both the College community as well as the visiting public," said Assistant Director for Design and Construction Tom Davies. "Many locations were considered, but the front of Keefe Campus Center was determined to be the ideal location for the CCE."
The game room's new space was entirely renovated, a project that included installing brand-new lighting and carpeting for the room. "The actual structure is all completely redone," explained Haynes.
The room's new furniture, selected by Haynes, consists of bistro-style chairs and tables with built-in board games such as Scrabble and checkers.
Another new addition to the game room is a vintage arcade machine. The machine plays a total of 80 different old-school games, with such classics as Asteroids and Mortal Kombat.
Old equipment remaining in the game room includes two pool tables (refurbished with new felt), a foosball table, a ping-pong table and a CD jukebox.
The game room's current location is slightly smaller than its prior one and, as a result, it lost an air hockey table. The air hockey table was transferred to Tyler House on Friday, said Haynes. The renovated game room also features quick and easy access to Schwemm's Coffee House via a side door.
Despite the smaller space, students certainly seem very pleased with the renovated facility. "It has a lot more space than the old one, and it's cleaner," said Rasheda Vereen '10.
Campus Center Manager Blake Murphey '08 agreed, saying, "It has vibrant colors that provide a tranquil yet inviting audience."
Haynes noted that many students have told him that they like the more comfortable atmosphere of the space, in addition to the new chairs, tables and game boards. "The early response has been positive from the student body," he said.
"The game room, though slightly less square feet than previously, is dramatically improved," said Davies. "The new space is funky and refined at the same time. The colors, whimsical carpet, random-patterned disc lighting, and large south-facing windows work together to create a space that is just great to be in."