Common Grounds renovates
Students play cards and study in the newly redecorated Common Grounds coffeehouse.
Working toward the goal of making it EMU's "living room," campus coffeehouse Common Grounds is starting the year off with a fresh new look due to a number of renovations undertaken by manager Benjamin Beitzel.
Beitzel was hired as a manager in the spring of 2005 and has been discussing renovations since then.
"I wanted to make it feel more like a coffeehouse and more like an organization," Beitzel said. "Our goal by renovating was to hope students, faculty, and maybe public would use Common Grounds."
Doug Wandersee, faculty overseer for Common Grounds, said the renovations were undertaken "to give it a new look, to clean it up, to make it more inviting and hospitable, more of an engaging space people would want to come and stay in." Some of it, though, was just a matter of necessary updates, he said.
The renovations consisted of repainting the walls and some chairs, painting squares on the floor, and purchasing slip covers for the couches. Christmas lights were strung throughout the ceiling frames, shelving to display artwork was installed, and new carpet pieces were purchased. Artwork was purchased to decorate both the walls and shelves. One wall of Common Grounds is to be space devoted to student artwork, which Beitzel said he hopes will change monthly, depending on student involvement.
With the help of much volunteer labor from his immediate and extended family, Beitzel managed to complete the upgrades in only two full days of work during the first week of August.
According to Beitzel the renovations cost approximately $750. Lori Gant, Office Coordinator for the Lilly Grant Project, said that since Common Grounds is part of the Lilly project, the grant covered all renovation costs.
"[Beitzel] was the guiding force behind making it happen," said Wandersee.
Beitzel also gave credit to his family that helped with the design and labor of the project, especially his mother, Laura Beitzel, who is an interior designer.
As for why he chose the styles used, Beitzel said, "I wanted something that felt more homey and relaxed but also had an upbeat and fun tune to it."
Reaction from both students and faculty has been very positive. Beitzel said students are excited that it "feels more like a coffee shop," while faculty and staff are pleased that Common Grounds "feels more like an actual business."
Beitzel said that there are no immediate plans for further changes to the facilities of Common Grounds, although discussions of building a stage for concerts are ongoing.
Wandersee noted that the neighboring renovation of the old commons gym into a theater will also affect the role of Common Grounds. He said that there is an ongoing collaboration with the theater for mutual benefit such as making the Common Grounds available during intermissions and after performances.
"It's an asset to have each one close to each other," said Wandersee.
Because of the renovations Wandersee said the Common Grounds "continues to become a destination, not a point to travel through."
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