Oct 18, 2013 2 min read

California University of Pennsylvania’s student center is undergoing renovations, but it still ranks high on the “amazing” scale, according to the website ”Best College Reviews.”

The Michigan-based website ranked the university’s Elmo Natali Student Center sixth on a list of “The 25 Most Amazing Campus Student Unions.” Cal U.’s student center ranked higher than its counterparts at Boston, Cornell and Columbia universities.

“Based on the design plans, the central public space on the Cal U. campus will incorporate more innovative technology features and move towards a very promising future,” read the website’s review.

Christine Kindl, director of communications and public relations, said Cal U., “is always very happy to be in such good company” with prestigious schools.

The center is a hub for student activities, as well as a dining and recreational facility. The building has a food court, bookstore, billiard room, computer lab and movie theater that screens free films several times a day. “We’re very proud of our building,” Kindl said, adding that after renovations are complete, “it’s going to be even better when it’s done.”

Renovations began in May and are expected to be completed in 2015. According to the university’s website, more than 70 percent of participating students voted in 2011 to approve the project and pay a student center fee to cover the cost of renovations.

The center will undergo plumbing, electrical and infrastructure upgrades, as well as kitchen and dining area expansions. The project will add nearly 40,000 square feet to the center, which will allow more meeting space for use by student clubs and organizations, Kindl said.

Kindl said Cal U. has a larger student population now than in previous years, so the extra space will help improve traffic flow.

The center will remain open during renovations, and access is currently restricted to the Third Street entrance.