The LSU Mini Mart will move into the Pentagon Dining Hall once renovations are complete, but the University is still unsure of what to do with the space the on-campus convenience store currently occupies.The departments of University Auxiliary Services and Residential Life are in talks of what to do with the space in front of the Pentagon once the Mini Mart is moved. ResLife Director Steve Waller said the department has a few potential options, including a front desk separate from Broussard Hall or classroom space.”We’re taking that space and potentially turning it into a classroom space because we have a residential college in LeJeune,” Waller said.Waller said the department is also considering turning the space into a lounge exclusively for Pentagon residents.”We could put in a lounge space with a TV for a place that [Pentagon] residents could go without walking to Broussard,” he said.But Auxiliary Services has its own plans for the space. Jeff Campbell, associate director of Auxiliary Services, said the department is considering using the space for a CC’s Coffee House or another restaurant.Campbell said the departments meet with each other about once a month to discuss plans and compare progress.”I wouldn’t say we wouldn’t give the space up, but if we’ve got a concept that wants to come in that would be very beneficial to students and the program we’re running in dining, I think we’d try to work that out with Steve [Waller],” Campbell said.Campbell said the space belongs to Auxiliary Services, but the departments work with each other on potential uses for it.Campbell said the plans for the Pentagon Dining Hall renovation are complete, but the state is in the process of reviewing and approving them. Once the plans are reviewed, the University will conduct a bidding process for various contractors. The renovations are set to begin in January, and the dining hall should be fully functional by fall 2009, Campbell said.Pentagon residents have a few ideas of their own of what do to with the space.Andrew Sullivan, sociology freshman and LeJeune Hall resident, said he would want a lounge exclusive for Pentagon residents.”I feel like the aquarium [room] in Broussard is more for Broussard people,” he said. “They should make this one more Pentagon-ish.”Andy Davis, political science freshman and Jackson Hall resident, said he would like to see an “actual food place” rather than fast food options.”It shouldn’t be like a Taco Bell, but more of a restaurant,” he said. “Just anything to offset the bad cafeteria food.”- – – –
Contact Ben Bourgeois at [email protected]