Fall 2012 - Villanova University

WHAT LIES AHEADA new 15,000-square-foot boathouse in nearby Conshohocken would provide a state-of-the-art training facility for student-athletes andreflect the rich history of Villanova Rowing.Tradition and TransformationNew projects respect Villanova’s past while enhancingthe student experienceBy Jennifer Schu“Student-centric” has beenthe buzzword and heart of Villanova’sCampus Master Plan since it was firstlaunched in 2009. In keeping with thegoals of the University Strategic Plan—which include enhancing the studentexperience—residence halls, diningfacilities and the campus landscape havebeen priorities, and that continues. Forthe past three years, renovations of existingbuildings and enhancements to thecampus grounds have been carried outthoughtfully, with a seamless blending ofthe old with the new.The work continues. This past summer,Phase II of the University’s Transformationof the Campus Landscape initiativeincluded improvement to Sullivan-Sheehan Quad, the transformation ofthe ellipse between Kennedy and Doughertyhalls and the construction of a newGrotto between Austin and St. Rita’shalls. An additional project was therenovation of the second floor of DoughertyHall—with the Italian Kitchen andCorner Grill, mainstays since the 1980s,replaced with a new facility named CaféNova. To further Villanova Athletics’mission of providing the best possiblestudent-athlete experience, a fundraisingeffort has been launched to builda boathouse for the Villanova rowingprogram—the first real facility of its ownthe program has ever known.From the Pie Shop to Café NovaIn the annals of Villanova history,perhaps no student gathering place isas fondly remembered as the Pie Shop.Starting in the early 1920s, it served freshpie and was operated by the legendaryLouis “Louie” Ciamaichela. First locatedin the basement of what is now TolentineHall, it was eventually moved to the secondfloor of the then-brand-new DoughertyHall. The other side of the spacewas occupied by the Day Hop, a popularhangout for commuter students.In the 1980s the Pie Shop and Day Hopwere replaced with the Corner Grill andItalian Kitchen, two quick spots to pickup lunch between classes. While the foodofferings remained popular with students,“it was definitely time to update thatwhole area,” says Robert Morro, associatevice president for Facilities Management.A student naming contest for the new16 Villanova MAGAZINe FALL 2012