The highest priorities for the "site criteria" were campus acceptability and centeredness, followed by impact on campus problems, influence on future planning, massing, serviceability, cost and time. The fact that time was given the lowest priority seemed to indicate that even though many students want a campus center, making sure that the job is done right is more important.
The most desired building location, based on the given choices, was on the west end of the Quad, but the committee did not feel that this is a central location. The other choices were: south side of Gordon Library, upper Higgins lawn, spanning west street at Earle Bridge, the east end of the Quad in line with Riley Hall and Alumni Gym and finally Beech Tree Circle.
Beech Tree Circle was considered unacceptable because of its symbolic value and there seemed to be some concern with the options that span West Street because of WPI's failed attempts to close the street in the past.
The committee decided to present these results to the Board of Trustees along with another option, which was felt to be much better. This site that was chosen combines two necessary projects, the renovation of Alumni Gym and the construction of a student center. An addition to the current gym would be built, extending onto upper Higgins lawn and maybe bridging West Street for an entrance from Freeman Plaza.
The renovations to Alumni Gym might include a new pool as well as some features which are not currently included. Some of the less used parts of the gym could be updated to reflect current trends, an example might be adding racquetball courts. The gym is also not currently handicapped accessible and this need can also be addressed with the renovations.
This combined student center/gymnasium facility is seen as uniting the "residential Quad" and the "academic Quad" and is indeed in the physical center of the campus. By combining two necessary projects, it moves the renovation of the gym up on the priority list and increases fund raising potential while lowering overall costs.
Fund raising is of major importance, because the campaign to raise money for the campus center is behind the projected schedule. Lowering the cost to build the center helps to bring the construction date closer to reality.
The Campus Center Committee sees this option as integrating the "learning, social and athletic environments" on campus while creating the least negative impact. The community will be able to enjoy a student center and a renovated gym, possibly within the time that some of the current students are at WPI.
The plan was apparently well received by the Board of Trustees, as well as a small number of students who heard Richardson's presentation to the board on the 18th of February.