Trone Student Center

Prior to its renovations, the Trone Student Center was an underutilized campus amenity at Furman University. Although it housed a movie theatre, retail cafe, bookstore, post office, student organization offices and careers services, students preferred the adjacent and newly renovated library for social gathering and study space.

The first phase of construction included renovations to the University Bookstore, creating new street-side entry that resolves wayfinding issues and welcomes the Furman community into a bright and open retail setting. A signature water wall at this entry incorporates the Furman insignia and has quickly, become a favorite backdrop for photographs. Visitors and students alike can gather around the cozy outdoor fireplace, lounge in the adjacent coffee bar, or watch the latest in world and campus news, all with new views toward the lake and courtyard. Phase Two focused on the second floor, establishing a spacious central living room that reaches out toward the main campus with large stone piers and site walls, all while showcasing the student energy inside the building. Phases Three and Four address the remainder of the first floor, as well as tackling landscape and hardscape improvements along the lake.

Today, the Trone Center is the "place to be" on campus, complete with food court, pub, courtyards, and and outdoor deck with lake and mountain views. Sustainably designed with recycled materials, xeriscape, and pervious paving among many other elements, the Center has evolved from a largely ignored facility into a keystone of Furman student life.