July 27, 2009
Remodeling project under way at Visitor Information Center
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A remodeling project at the Visitor Information Center will help to reflect the welcoming attitude of the center's staff in the building's interior design.
"We have a nice location, but this building has been in place since the mid-1980s and we really haven't added to the look inside," says Mike Piggott, director of community relations. "We have a great staff for visitors to talk to, but we don't know if the building looks particularly welcoming. It's important that we have the opportunity to create that atmosphere with this remodel."
Piggott says VIC, which is part of the Office of Marketing and Media, is often the first stop for prospective students and parents. As of June, almost 4,000 people had visited the center this year to take campus tours, pick up brochures and maps, and ask questions about Purdue.
Work began in June at the center, 504 Northwestern Ave. So far, old wall coverings have been taken down and replaced with wallpaper in Purdue gold.
VIC will collaborate with Marketing and Media colleagues to develop wall displays and add more Purdue branding.
"We are still working on what the interior will look like, but when the construction phase is complete we'll have a blank canvas to work on," Piggott says.
Piggott would like to add a video presentation that welcomes visitors to Purdue as well as improve signs that direct people to VIC staff, who share the building with University Parking employees.
"People walk up to the window and think they can pay for parking," Piggott says.
Touch screens may be added to the outer lobby of VIC to help visitors find their way around campus, particularly when the center is closed. Now, maps are made accessible to visitors in the lobby during off hours.
Most of the remodeling will be wrapped up by the start of the fall semester. Completion of the entire redesign is expected by Homecoming.
"Our goal is to make an even better first impression for all visitors to Purdue," he says. "We want our center to be attractive and inviting and to project the Purdue image."
PHOTO CAPTION:
Purdue employees Scott Cochran (left) and Greg Woods work to install the base to a wall column as part of the renovation work at the Visitor Information Center. (Purdue University/Andrew Hancock)