History & Vision of Talley Student Center

History

The existing Talley Student Center was constructed in 1972 when the NC State student population was 14,000. Thirty-nine years later, NC State boasts 33,000 students.

For today’s students, academic success requires access to tools, technologies and infrastructure that did not exist three decades ago. Needs have changed; so must the facility.

Upon its completion in 2008, the Student Life Master Plan kicked off the University’s plan to renovate and expand the student center. Groundbreaking for a multi-phased construction project began in Summer 2011. The first phase will be completed in late 2013, and the entire project will be finished in late 2014.

 

Project Vision

The New Talley Student Center will not only address deficiencies in the existing student center and adjacent NC State Bookstore operation, but it will also bring NC State into a new era of student life. It will:

  • ...be a hub for quality, student life experiences. Spaces will support student academics; help students balance life and academics; enable student collaboration, interaction and innovation; encourage personal growth and development.
  • ...become the center of the campus community. Provide students a community as the center of campus life that invigorates and invites participation and growth.
  • ...embrace the spirit, image and character of NC State University. The design exemplifies the values and history of the university and engenders pride of place for the campus community. A new landmark that is mindful of and respectful toward the existing campus character.
  • ...be pedestrian oriented. Serve as a campus crossroads as well as a destination.
  • ... incorporate transparent design, with clear views from the inside out and outside in. Visually connect spaces within the building and floor-to-floor, using volume and natural light to create open, airy and inviting spaces.
  • ...be sustainable and environmentally friendly. Utilize innovative design solutions to construct an energy-efficient building. The project will achieve a minimum USGBC certification of LEED Silver.
  • ...be built according to budget. Stay consistent with the budget not to exceed a student fee of $290 per year. Revenue-generating functions will provide additional funding for space that exceeds the original, programmed square footage.