AZTEC CENTER EXPANSION / RENOVATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do we need an expanded/renovated Aztec Center?
Aztec Center is 40 years old and was built to support a student population of 10,000-15,000 back in the late 1960’s and the current enrollment has more than doubled. The campus master plan calls for the number of students to increase to approximately 45,000 by 2024/25.
What will be included in an expansion/renovation?
Additional meeting space, a multi-purpose theatre, 24/7 study lounge with computers and wireless access, improved food, pub and retail services, expanded and improved office space for student organizations, student activities and student life.
How did you determine what would be included in an expansion and renovation?
Information was gathered from current SDSU students through a series of focus groups, an SDSU marketing class assessment project, email responses from over 150 students, a random survey of 700 students conducted by the SDSU Social Science Research Lab (SSRL), and over 3,000 student responses to a web portal survey.
Will Aztec Center be closed during construction?
Yes. Aztec Center will be closed for approximately 20-24 months.
Will the entire Aztec Center be torn down?
The plan calls for a renovation of the existing Aztec Center. Unless current studies underway prove it to be more economical to replace the current structure rather than renovate it, the plan is to renovate a portion of the building with an addition of new space. The area referred to as La Tienda, which currently houses The Greek Store, Ticket Office, STA Travel and USE Credit Union, will be demolished and a new building constructed on the site.
What will happen to all the offices and services in Aztec Center when it closes for construction?
The Associated Students is currently working on plans to relocate as much of the offices and services based on resources available on campus. Services such as the Food Court and Starbucks will have to close completely.
Will Louie’s Suds N Sun be part of the new Aztec Center?
The new Aztec Center will include expanded and improved pub facilities. Presently, the current pub operator is Louie’s Suds N Sun. Aztec Shops’ contract with the operator expires in May 2009. There will be a request for proposal process (RFP) to select an operator for the new and expanded pub in the new Aztec Center. The current operator will have the opportunity to submit a proposal.
Why can’t Louie’s Suds N Sun remain the pub operator?
There is no contractual agreement between Aztec Shops and the current operator past May 2009. The plan for the new Aztec Center is to incorporate a restaurant with a pub so that concept will be pursued during the RFP process.
When will construction start?
An approximate start date is fall 2009.
When will it be completed?
Anticipated completion in summer 2011.
Will the expansion/renovation be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant?
Absolutely.
Will the new Aztec Center building be a “green” building?
Every effort is being made to ensure green design is incorporated in both the renovation and expansion. The AS Council voted to obtain LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification on the new building construction.