The John Calhoun Baker University Center is a multi-purpose facility located near the center of Ohio University's main campus in Athens, Ohio, United States of America.
Named for Ohio University’s 14th President, John Calhoun Baker, the Center opened in January 2007. It replaced the original Baker University Center which was located on the northwest corner of E. Union St. and College St. (across from the College Green). The building provides facilities, programs, services and amenities that serve the University community, the Athens, Ohio community and visitors. It is operated by the Ohio University Division of Student Affairs.
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In 2000, the university's Student senate gauged interest for a new student activity center to replace the then-current Baker Center, on Union Street in the northernmost area of campus. The new building, which would be named Baker University Center, would be located more centrally on campus, and allow easier access from the lower areas of campus to the Court Street and College Green areas.[1] Plans for the five-story building were approved in February 2004 by Ohio University's Board of Trustees. The US$60 million project was funded by state capital improvement funds and bonds. Students of the university would pay an additional fee of US$60 per academic quarter after the center opened. The final floor plan was unveiled in March of that year.[2] Much of the design of the building was created based on student input.[1]
The university broke ground on the center in March 2004.[3] Throughout that summer, the land was excavated and an underground parking lot was created. While housing for many of the university's student organizations was planned before construction, additions such as the Ohio University Women's Center were added later.[4]
The John Calhoun Baker Center (the name having been taken from the original 'Baker Center' on Union St.) opened in January, 2007. The $65 million dollar student center features Georgian-style architecture and expansive windows throughout the building that allow a great deal of natural light to enter. In contrast to the exterior's red brick, and white columns, the interior has a more contemporary style. The interior has high ceilings, ergonomic furniture and a color scheme of sage, plum and mocha.
The six-story student center contains a large food court (West 82), a fine dining restaurant (Latitude 39), a ballroom, student shop (Bobcat Essentials), coffee shop (The Front Room), theater, many study areas, several computer labs, administrative offices, and other amenities connected by three sets of escalators.
The "Main Street effect" is something planners prepared for from the start by incorporating an escalator system to carry people through the atrium that cuts through the building and connects the upper and lower portions of the campus. This design feature earned the facility mention in a 2006 Association of College Unions International book as a best practice.[5]
In 2007, Baker Center won two Golden Trowel awards from the International Masonry Institute, including the grand prize of Best Project in Ohio for its terrazzo floor art, and another prize for its distinctive interior masonry features. In 2008, the Baker was also awarded the grand-prize with honors from Learning by Design, and organization that recognized excellence in educational facilities, as well as the Facility Design Award from the Association of College Unions International, which annually distinguished excellence in the design of student unions and other student-centered building on college campuses.
The various university businesses inside are struggling to make money due to poor marketing and high prices. However, the administration has issued a new plan to have a "flex" meal plan to let students spend meals there.