PROVO — Brigham Young University has announced plans to remodel the Cougareat and the BYU Store in the Wilkinson Student Center during the summer.
One of the highlights of the remodel will be a lounge space that will bridge the Cougareat and BYU Store and will allow guests to flow between the two spaces with ease. The lounge will underscore the school’s “stone cold sober” legacy with a cafe that sells baked goods, including baked-to-order cookies, and milk that can be mixed with different flavors.
The most obvious change in the Cougareat will be an update to the seating space.
“We hope to create an atmosphere that has a more collegiate feel; a bright space full of light,” Dean Wright, director of BYU Dining Services, said in a statement.
There will also be updates to the dining venues. L&T will be replaced by Choices, which will offer an allergy-free and vegan and vegetarian menu. An incoming national chain (to be announced later this summer) will replace Scoreboard Grill, and Aloha Plate will get a makeover. Construction will occur in stages throughout the summer.
The entire northern part of the BYU Store’s main level will have the acoustical ceiling removed and will implement new lighting, sound and updated finishes. There will also be a new Legacy Area featuring the original flooring of the Marriott Center, hung as floating ceiling panels.
Further renovations will include an Interactive Learning Center with a scaled model of Y Mountain, a train track and a selection of learning activity books and games. The store will also move all trade books (Adult, Young Adult and Children’s books) to one location. These areas will be places where families can enjoy time reading and learning together.
There will also be in-store stadium seating with a large format viewing screen that will provide a place for faculty presentations, author or artist signings, brown bag lunch discussions, Cougar Club activities and performance groups.
“The goal is not only to refresh the space but to also create experiences for our guests that allow them to find a wide selection of quality products while shopping in an environment that reminds them of the value of a BYU education and legacy, said Mark Clegg, director of the BYU Store, said.
The remodel is expected to wrap up before Education Week in August.