After nearly three years of construction, the Haupert Union Building, Moravian University’s long-awaited “HUB” of campus life, has reopened with a unique design and a $46 million price tag.
The expanded building, which officially opened its upper floors on Oct. 8, marks one of the largest capital projects in Moravian’s history and the first WELL-certified building in the Lehigh Valley, a global standard recognizing spaces that promote health and well-being.
Designed with student input dating back to early planning sessions five years ago, the building was imagined as a space that would restore what Dean of Students Nicole Loyd calls the campus’s “core connection point.”
With improved study areas, expanded lounges, and upgraded technology throughout, the HUB aims to be a daily destination for students to relax, collaborate, and belong.
However, the renovation of a decades-old structure revealed surprises beneath the surface: structural quirks and budget adjustments that pushed the final cost almost 10% above projections. The amount approved by the Board before construction was $42 million; the final projection is now $46 million.
Moravian borrowed $40 million for the HUB, and all money raised for the HUB will be used to fund both current construction costs of $6 million and any future debt service, Mark Reed, chief financial officer, explained.
“Change orders, or variations from the original plan, created the biggest budgetary challenge for this project,” said Reed.
“The good news is that the change orders for this project were not related to something referred to as ‘scope creep,’ which generally involves unplanned ‘upgrades’ that are added once the project begins. Rather, the change orders were related to changes to the building drawings that could not be anticipated,” he added.
The first floor, home to the Wellness Center, including the Counseling Center, opened on Oct. 28, and Health Services opened on Oct. 30.
In addition, the WELL certification and its building adaptations provide occupants with indirect connections to nature through natural materials and finishes throughout the space.
Inside, students will find an environment intentionally built to enhance both productivity and relaxation. Study and hangout spaces are equipped with monitors for AirPlay and collaboration, and new meeting rooms are fully “Zoom Room” capable for hybrid events and classes. Two additional dining rooms expand the spaces connected to the B&G, giving students more places to share meals and conversations.
“In almost every area of the space, occupants experience a direct or indirect tie to a natural material,” said Amber Donato, Moravian’s associate director of planning and project management.
Stairs and interior colors mimic hues found in nature, while artwork throughout the building brings the outdoors in.
The third-floor Mindfulness Suite, complete with an outdoor terrace, serves as a restorative space with natural materials and calming design elements. In that suite are sensory-friendly rooms, as well as one room with resources such as stress toys, weighted blankets, yoga equipment, and other stress relievers.
Additionally, multiple entrances and terraces connect directly to John Makuvek Field, encouraging students to spend more time outdoors.
“At this point, we are treating the building as we do all of the other buildings on campus that we maintain,” Donato added. “The extent of the glass walls stands out as something new for Moravian, but we will handle that as needed.”
Despite the cost of renovation, Reed reports that the return on investment will be challenging to gauge.
“Moravian is doing many great things to help attract and retain good students, and the new HUB is just one of those great things. It will undoubtedly help to attract and retain students … but measuring that will be difficult.”
Now, students are beginning to reclaim the space that has long been the social and emotional center of campus life.
“I like the green room; it’s amazing, and I love the terraces,” said Political Science student Tristian Stano.
The new HUB comes with new suites, such as the Mindfulness and Prayer Room, while also bringing back old favorites, like the piano from the original HUB, now located on the 4th floor.
“I hope that the faculty, staff, and students all have the same reaction as I have had each time I go into that building,” Reed added. “Again, while it may not be measurable, it will undoubtedly affect the ‘morale’ of all who work in and use that space.”
