By Jeff Samoray, OU Web Writer

For many years, Oakland University students have gathered to meet friends and classmates at the South Foundation Hall atrium, more commonly known as the “fishbowl.” This summer, OU is constructing a new and improved atrium as part of a project associated with the Oakland Center expansion.

The new atrium will be reduced in size, allowing the curved glass exterior of the 30,000-square-foot OC addition to provide an impressive visible gateway to the university.

“The new fishbowl will be about half the size of the previous one,” said Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management Rusty Postlewate. “It will be similar in appearance, with glass windows on three sides, bench seating inside, and a ceramic tile floor with a mosaic of a fish.”

The previous atrium and two canopies between North and South Foundation halls were removed in late June. Construction of the new atrium and OC addition will be completed by late August.

“Both projects remain on schedule for completion before the start of the fall semester,” Postlewate said. “The work is about 80 percent done. Workers are currently completing interior work on plumbing, the electrical system, drywall, windows and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.”

The expanded Oakland Center will provide 330 more seats in the food court area, a 7,000-square-foot multipurpose room that can seat 600, a 24-hour computer lounge featuring wireless Internet connectivity, and an 80-seat coffee shop. The exterior features a two-story, semi-circular glass front offering spectacular views of the campus mall facing Kresge Library, the Science and Engineering Building and South Foundation Hall. Other construction work involves extensive remodeling and updates to the OC kitchen to meet current catering and food preparation needs.

The OC addition will be open for fall semester, but the official grand opening will be held Friday, Sept. 19, at 2 p.m. Students, faculty and staff will be invited. Attendees will be able to take a walking tour and sample refreshments. Entertainment will be offered by Oakland University’s steel drum ensemble.

Architectural renderings and floor plans of the OC addition are on display in the lounge next to the Oakland Center Administration and Reservations Office. To make reservations for the new multipurpose room, contact Rakhi Roy, OC assistant director, at (248) 370-3230 or roy@oakland.edu.