The Hughes-Trigg Student Center (HTSC) sits in the heart of SMU’s main campus creating community space for Mustangs to eat, socialize, plan organizational activities, study, and hang out. In May 2019, SMU launched a long-awaited multi-phase renovation of the Student Center.
Open throughout construction, the phased project began with a full renovation of the Varsity and Mane Course. Students fell in love with spaces designed just for them featuring the Dallas-based Cinco Taco and a Chick-Fil-A expanded to provide full-service. The newly-imagined Varsity pairs a lower-level dining and hangout space with an elevated, fully-accessible gaming area featuring pool tables and shuffleboard. Eight big screen televisions and a SMU-centric design complete the modern and inviting space.
In 2020, the entire 2nd floor (L2) underwent renovation and now features a monumental staircase in the atrium, modern office suites, and inviting communal spaces. Design elements showcase Mustang spirit and pride with modern conference and meeting rooms outfitted with user-friendly technology. L2 also features new ablution rooms for our Muslim students’ prayer preparation. We’ve enhanced storage throughout the building, and visitors will find family restrooms on every floor. Level one’s (L1) open floor plan includes a new entrance on the east side to support the southeasterly growth of campus, a lactation room, and the wildly popular Panera Bread.
The entire project enhanced building accessibility for all who utilize HTSC. A few minor projects are still ongoing, including the renovation of Gallery 1911 – scheduled for completion in fall 2021.