Project description
The renovation and expansion of Colorado State University’s Lory Student Center transformed one of the most active areas on campus, revitalizing the food court, study lounges, bar, and administrative spaces. Approximately three-quarters of the building was renovated, including the addition of a new ballroom, expanded study areas, updated dining venues, and specialized game room spaces. The project also introduced a micro-brewery and brewing classrooms, enhancing the student experience and supporting CSU’s brewing science programs. Renovated food court venues included Carl’s Jr., Panda Express, Sweet Sensations, Subway, and others, creating a more modern and diverse dining environment.
The mechanical design features VAV air-handling systems with evaporative cooling and chilled water supplied by the campus district cooling loop. Heating is provided by hot water generated from campus steam. A notable energy-saving strategy is the process cooling system, which reuses return chilled water to create 60–65°F process cooling water for the facility’s water-cooled freezers and coolers. This approach increases the building’s Delta-T, improving the overall efficiency of the campus chilled water system without requiring additional flow.
Lighting and lighting controls for the renovated food court were designed to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere using energy-efficient fluorescent luminaires. A relay-based lighting control panel manages lighting zones throughout the space. Electrical distribution systems were upgraded to support new food service vendors, and general power, data connectivity, and fire alarm systems were provided to meet current code requirements and owner needs.
The project was successfully completed on time and within budget, revitalizing a central campus hub for dining, studying, and student engagement.
Guiding Principles for the Design
- Student-Centered Spaces
- Modern Dining Environments
- Sustainable Systems
- Process-Cooling Innovation
- Energy-Efficient Systems
- Community-Focused Spaces
- Vibrant Campus Hub
- Intentional Lighting Design