The renovations include new dining options and gathering places.
Brigham Young University will be making several enhancements to the Wilkinson Student Center during summer 2019, including updates to the Cougareat and the BYU Store.
A brand-new feature will bridge the Cougareat and the BYU Store: a lounge space hosting a new retail concept that underscores BYU’s ”stone cold sober” legacy – milk and cookies. The cafe will serve some of BYU’s signature baked goods, including baked-to-order cookies and campus milk that can be blended into different flavors: imagine a freestyle soft drink machine but with BYU milk and flavor mix-ins, like mint brownie or cookies and cream.
The space will have two large openings between the Cougareat and BYU Store which will allow guests to flow between the two spaces with ease.
There will also be updates to the dining venues available in the Cougareat. L&T will be replaced by Choices, which will offer allergy-free options and a menu with meals for vegan and vegetarian guests. Incoming national chain Wendy's will replace Scoreboard Grill, and Aloha Plate will get a makeover.
The most obvious change in the Cougareat will be an update to the seating space.
“We hope to create an atmosphere that has a more collegiate feel; a bright space full of light,” said Dean Wright, director of BYU Dining Services.
Construction in the Cougareat will happen in stages throughout the summer so that there will always be seating and food choices available. These new improvements are the largest change to the dining center since 1997.
The BYU Store is continuing with its remodel of the main level which began in 2016 with a redesign of the product layout and most recently included the remodel of the new candy counter, The Sweet Stop, completed earlier this year.
The entire northern part of the BYU Store’s main level will have the acoustical ceiling removed and will implement new lighting, sound and updated finishes. There will also be a new Legacy Area featuring the original flooring of the Marriott Center, hung as floating ceiling panels.
Further renovations will include an Interactive Learning Center with a scaled model of Y Mountain, a train track and a selection of learning activity books and games. The store will also move all trade books (Adult, Young Adult and Children’s books) to one location. These areas will be places where families can enjoy time reading and learning together.
There will also be in-store stadium seating with a large format viewing screen that will provide a place for faculty presentations, author or artist signings, brown bag lunch discussions, Cougar Club activities and performance groups.
“The goal is not only to refresh the space but to also create experiences for our guests that allow them to find a wide selection of quality products while shopping in an environment that reminds them of the value of a BYU education and legacy. As part of the remodel, the store is creating spaces where customers can quickly connect to the spirit of the Y – what BYU is all about,” said Mark Clegg, director of the BYU Store.
Construction for both the Cougareat and the BYU Store is expected to conclude before Education Week in August 2019.
