Sebo Center graphic in new Alumni magazine.

[NWLB]

There was also a new graphic of the Sebo Center in the magazine as well. My first thought on the latest graphic of the Sebo Center might best be described as very….“whelming.” [sic]. At least, in that is in terms of my gut impression vs. what I had hoped they would come up with. I do actually like the building in terms of how the different areas are broken up and how windows are incorporated into it.

However it is far to asymmetrical, lacks any real obvious connection to the stadium. It actually resembles the Owens Community College building in Findlay more than something that belongs to BGSU. I understand wanting to break-up what would otherwise be a giant box. And in that, they did well. It won’t look as dull as say, a out-dated warehouse with the coaches grill on the porch. But it is very disappointing they couldn’t come up with something more unifying. I’m never going to look at it and avoid a “ho-hum” reaction. Since they built Olscamp, even the new Union, however great to have the FACILITY it may be, the architecture seems to lack any soul.

I don’t want to sound overly negative in talking about it. It is needed, and getting it makes me very happy.

[hammb]

Since they built Olscamp, even the new Union, however great to have the FACILITY it may be, the architecture seems to lack any soul.

I'm no architect, or anything, but I LOVED Olscamp when I was in school. The wings with the couches that you could crash on next to the windows were great. Chill there and read, study, or do the Crossword. It beat the heck outta most of the other buildings on campus.

[NWLB]

No question, I loved it when I got to use it. And its developed its own character in time. I suppose things like that take time, and it has developed its own character over the years, as will the Union. I was hoping for something that would draw the entire area together, and it won't do that, even if it will do wonders for a great many other things.

In some ways BG is cursed and gains from not having a true architectural style.

[1987alum]

Just a thought ... perhaps the Sebo center is a preview of what a Doyt renovation may look like.

[Flipper]

I agree...I think this new facility may be the first step towards renovating the Doyt, building a convo center and fixing the Ice arena roof.

Maybe we'll end up with something closer to the original Austin Powers-ish cosmic space muffin design we were supposed to build

[NWLB]

Just a thought ... perhaps the Sebo center is a preview of what a Doyt renovation may look like.

God I hope not, I wouldn't want to see what DLP stadium looks like if it gets the Sebo treatment. And lest we forget that the basketball arena question and ice arena are both much more pressing needs.

[Rightupinthere]

I have to agree with the aforementioned sentiment. Sebo is just the tip of the iceburg.
Krebs signing for another five just reinforces that feeling.

[Tech83]

I went back to see the renderings posted at BGSUFalcon.com. Mmmm....

These are all schematic designs and my guess is that the SEBO will take some time to get built. The drawings are all "sex" drawings to be used in fund-raising. I create these type of drawings for funding purposes. If your interested - I got a non-profit agricultural museum in Western Ohio that could use your $$ before the SEBO. The Museum is a sustainable design also - can't say that about what I see in the SEBO renderings. (You can't get passive solar gain from north facing glass and there is a lot of it in this design)

Look for donations to be forthcoming from athlete/alumni who will feel an attachment to the AD and want to contribute. Plus they will have the deep pockets that this project will need. This looks like a $20 to $40 Million dollar project. (The curtain wall is about $60/sf of face area). I can't read the plans very well, but the view from the south looks to have some luxury boxes. The whole design may get a reality check and change before it is all over.

The design is really about the architect inserting himself "onto" the Doyt.

What will be important for everyone to understand - ONLY student athletes will be able to use this facility. It will probably have computer labs and tutoring offices for the student-athlete ONLY. The weight rooms and everything else will be off-limits to any other student on campus. So don't get too excited about this structure. I am not saying this is a bad thing, it will help recruiting, but.......... how many other students could use this type of educational support and will not get it (to this extent).

The SEBO could really be part of a new Bball arena or Hockey facility. Because what you really need is the classrooms and the weight rooms.

Just a few thoughts -

[MiamiBando]

I wanna SEE this new building. I am an architecture major, and am VERY interested

[Strouse]

The SEBO could really be part of a new Bball arena or Hockey facility. Because what you really need is the classrooms and the weight rooms. -

Just out of curiosity, where would they put a new bball arena or hockey facility, considering the golf course is directly north of the stadium (is it not?) and the SEBO looks like it could possibly go up to the road that runs along the southern edge of the golf course.

[KPAFalcon]

I believe the plan is to put the Convention Center at the South End.

[BGDrew]

And I heard closer to the airport, across the road.

[BGman2004]

On the master plan they have a new convo center in what is now Lot 6 with a hotel and conference space attached to it. However DD came to talk to my fraternity before the basketball season started and he said that they are still studying whether it is more feasible to renovate AA or build a brand new convo.

[FliccGirl]

In lot 6, huh? That would do wonders for solving the problem of campus parking.... lol.....

[NWLB]

...ah, but we don't have a parking problem, we have a........

A source not reading this forum, said that while the admissions office project is moving forward, there isn't a fixed date, and the study about the convocation center is in part why. The issue of renovating Anderson arena is part of the overall study as I was made to understand, not a stand-alone project, and not actually a main focus. Rather is it simply part of the overall effort.

Having said that, I seriously doubt Anderson Arena remains on campus if they build a new structure. It's too much space, and unless they gut and rebuild the entire structure, I don't see how it can really fit-in with the long term goals for the campus.

There may be serious consideration given to renovating Anderson. However at the very best, they are going to have a very hard time fixing all of the other problems that come along with it. Parking, walking time from the other lots, traffic, etc.

Given how barren the east side of campus is, I’d rather see more new construction on that side of campus. If they could get the Episcopal church to move someplace else, that would really help. Mostly I’d really hope they break loose and pave the football parking lot as in the master plan. I’ve read notes from certain meetings on campus that indicate faculty see the campus’ appearance as being an issue to attracting student and faculty. I agree. But that’s another issue and thread.