DUC renovation offers more eating, studying areas

Space repurposed to better meet students' needs

Finding a seat in the beautiful, bustling Danforth University Center (DUC) sometimes can be challenging. Bon Appetit estimates it serves between 3,300 and 3,800 people there every day. Many more — who aren’t eating — routinely use the space.

In response to student requests for additional eating and working space in the DUC, a 900-square-foot area recently underwent renovation. The new space, on the north end of the first floor, opened this week.

Construction crews, which began the project in October, removed closet space and a series of double doors leading from the north elevator to the foyer. The new configuration contains a small informal meeting room, three counter areas with stools, tables, chairs and plenty of electrical outlets. Altogether, there are 42 more seats.

“First-floor seating is at a premium,” says Leslie Heusted, director of the DUC and event management. “Students told us they didn’t want soft seating, but more functional service areas to eat and do homework.

“We realized the space wasn’t being utilized well, and student feedback put us on this trajectory.”

Heusted says an open house is planned for 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, and 12-2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. The events will incorporate Foursquare, a location-based social networking site. Students who “check in” at certain times will be eligible for prizes.

For more information and a complete schedule of daily events, visit duc.wustl.edu.