Extreme makeover, CWRU edition: Leutner remodeling project slated to begin construction during fall break

Leutner's getting a makeover. Actually, with the dramatic renovations planned for the building, it's more like transformative cosmetic surgery.Case Western Reserve University architect Joanne Brown summed up the changes at a student presentation last Friday. The renovations consist of "expanding the lower level, encompassing the area that is now exterior to the Spot and L3, as well as reconfiguring the dining room." In addition, a new wing will be tacked on to the upper floor to provide 24 hour study space and overflow dining.

The remodeling is slated to start on Monday Oct.19, and to be completed by fall of next year. Students returning from fall break will see a huge fence surrounding the perimeter of the building, but all internal areas should still function normally as construction begins.

The goal is light. "The whole point is to brighten up this dining room, get daylight in there," says Brown. Project Manager Nick Christie has a similar vision for the downstairs area, which will be open 24 hours for students to relax and study. Expect "softer seating, softer lighting, and a fireplace. It really has a nice feel to it."

Brown and Christie also sought to incorporate accessibility and convenience into the new Leutner plans. Elevators and bathrooms on the top floor of Leutner have been added to the design. There will also be a centralized entrance in the front left part of the building, to improve security and flow.

The shabby patio and broken front stairs currently in front of Leutner will be demolished. The current exterior will be replaced by large panels of thermal glass and elegant concrete beams. The exterior is similarly designed to the new Mandel Center on Bellflower Road while the interior of Leutner will look like a chic train station, with curvacious serving stations, and sleek padded chairs.

Student focus groups have guided the project since its start two years ago. "The first focus group was really trying to get an understanding...of Leutner, the Spot, and L3," says Grace Bell, the president of RHA. "What does each space bring to the Case campus?" Subsequent focus groups recruited residents, USG members, and finally the entire undergraduate population to try to better understand the needs of the people who use the building every day.

One concrete result of these groups: The study space removed from Wade last year will be resurrected in the remodeled building, with student-approved color choices and seating. "I think the best part of the process has been their willingness to work with us," said Bell.

UPB president Brian Browne is also encouraged by the intense dialogue between the university and the students. "I think it's been a really receptive process...to see the architects and the university say 'We'll give you what you want, and what you think you need' has been a really great part of the process," he said.

Bell wants to make sure that the ear of the university stays sympathetic as the construction begins. "The next stage will be, 'what does it look like on a day-to-day level?' How receptive will [the university be] to the feedback of students when they have to start jackhammering?'"

The reaction of undergraduates so far has been quiet. It's not widely known that any of the renovations are taking place at all, though the university is trying to correct this with better marketing and more student outreach. Sophomore Kaitlyn Estes is glad the remodeling is going on. Estes thinks Leutner feels "clammy and institutionalized." She wants "more light, and more space."

Sophomore Sarah Armstrong had no idea Leutner was getting redone, but she's less enthusiastic about the changes. "I think that renovations are necessary, but that's not going to change the food quality, or the people who work there. If the food was awesome and delicious, and [Leutner] looked like crap, I would probably go there more often. Students don't care what the space looks like, they want quality.