Housing and Dining plans to renovate and rename the Leonard Formal Lounge by January, according to Housing and Dining Director of Residence Life Rick Treter.
After the Childcare Center moved out of Leonard in 2009 to its current location in the Child Development Center behind Centennial Hall, Housing and Dining began thinking about how it could use the lounge, Treter said.
“When asked in surveys what the University could improve on, students in an overwhelming number said they would like to see more social spaces where they can go and just hang out, so we decided this is what the Leonard Formal Lounge should be made into,” Treter said.
In spring 2011, Housing and Dining added a couch and study tables to the lounge. They also painted the lounge, gave it new carpeting and added a flat-screen TV to the wall. But Treter said he wants to see the space transformed even more.
Although he has a design concept he would like to be implemented, nothing has been approved or paid for yet.
“We’re only in the budget stage at this point,” he said.
Treter said he has been welcoming any student input on what the space should look like since it will solely be for students.
The current design plan for the Leonard lounge includes a small stage that can be used for non-amplified sound performances by University groups and organization, according to Treter.
“I want AU students to be able to perform in this space, whether it be a cappella, musical instruments or spoken words,” Treter said. “This is how it will differ from the Perch and Tavern.”
The space will also include a study room that can be reserved by students. The space will not have a food area similar to the Mudbox, despite several requests from students.
Treter didn’t apply for a license for a food venue in the lounge due to existing contracts with food vendors on campus.
Keesah Ceran, assistant resident director; Austin Perry, residential education coordinator; and Treter held a contest asking students what the lounge should be named.
“We want the name to be consistent with American University themes such as the WONK Campaign or the Eagle mascot,” Treter said.
The name will be announced when the Residence Hall Association, Housing and Dining and the Office of Campus Life approve it, according to Treter.
He is unsure of when this will take place, but says creative name suggestions can still be submitted to Perry at austinp@american.edu. Once a name has been approved, Perry will no longer take suggestions.
