New photos reveal a gutted HUB. Despite the coronavirus outbreak, the building is still on track to reopen for the spring 2021 semester.
By Michael Lehman, Editor-in-Chief
Demolition in the HUB’s interior started drawing to close last week when the second floor’s windows and outdoor deck were removed. As of Wednesday, April 29, construction crews were preparing to install internal framing and utility lines like plumbing, IT and HVAC within the building.
Russ Degitz, chief operations officer of Huntington University, said “things are changing daily” now that the construction process is officially underway.
New photos reveal substantial changes to the HUB’s interior.
UPPER HUB: An elevated stage used to rest in this corner of the second floor, but a new stage will occupy this spot soon. The outdoor deck will also be removed. (Photo provided by Russ Degitz) 
FIRST FLOOR: This spot to the left of the front doors (where the bookstore used to be) will be the new location for Starbucks and the Office of Student Life. (Photo provided by Russ Degitz) 
INSTALLATIONS COMING: As the demolition phase ends, workers will begin installing internal framing and utility lines like plumbing. (Photo provided by Russ Degitz) 
EMPTY SPACE: This panoramic shot of the first floor suggests that the new HUB will look dramatically different. The back wall will feature large windows and a fireplace/lounge area for students. (Photo provided by Russ Degitz)
Ron Coffey, Vice President for Student Life, hosted a virtual tour inside the gutted HUB via a 5-minute video posted on the Huntington University Facebook page. Below is a gallery of screenshots taken directly from the video.
A RELIC: Ron Coffey, VP for Student Life, approaches the HUB’s old staircase. It is one of the only structures on the first floor that remains untouched. (Screenshot from Huntington University Facebook page) 
SECOND FLOOR: A glimpse from the staircase reveals an unrecognizable upper HUB. (Screenshot from Huntington University Facebook page) 
OPEN SPACE: The new HUB will feature a more spacious second floor for students to enjoy. (Screenshot from Huntington University Facebook page) 
TOTAL MAKEOVER: A glance to the left of the staircase. (Screenshot from Huntington University Facebook page) 
NEW BOOKSTORE: Ron Coffey gestures at the eventual front doors of the university bookstore, which will be on the second floor. (Screenshot from Huntington University Facebook page) 
THE SUBS ARE STAYING: Mondo’s, which used to sit in this corner behind the curtain, will return to this same location. (Screenshot from Huntington University Facebook page) 
BLANK SLATE: This empty nook near the old Starbucks used to be home to the bathrooms and SGA office. (Screenshot from Huntington University Facebook page) 
BETWEEN STAGES: A stage used to occupy this corner of the second floor. A new one will be built to replace it. (Screenshot from Huntington University Facebook page)
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Fetters Construction crew continues to make progress on the project. Degitz said that workers are taking all necessary safety measures to respect social distancing.
“At this point in time, we do anticipate having the HUB back online for the spring semester (spring 2021),” Degitz said in an email interview. “This is according to our current timeline. Obviously, with the current pandemic, things could potentially change if business shutdowns are forced for contractors or material supplies are impacted.”
If the current timeline unfolds as planned, the HUB will reopen for the entire spring semester of 2021. This means that former Hardy Hall residents could potentially return to their beloved dorm building before the spring semester begins.
University President Sherilyn Emberton mentioned this possibility during a recent meeting with the Student Government Association (SGA). Although nothing is guaranteed at this moment, Hardy Hall could go back online as early as next January or February.
For now, the HUB will continue to undergo a full metamorphosis while most HU students attend online classes from their homes across the country.
“You know, we miss you guys like crazy,” Coffey said at the beginning of his virtual tour, “and part of what we miss about you is you don’t get a chance to see all that’s going on with this HUB renovation.”
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