By Brian Bohl

After a nearly 10-month renovation, the University Club will re-open Oct. 16 for a trustee meeting followed by a donor appreciation dinner. As part of the $3.5 million project the building, which was shut down for repairs in January, will feature a new glass façade and increased technological capabilities.

The overhaul marks the first large-scale improvement to the structure since it opened nearly four decades ago. A new elevator and an expanded lobby will be part of the revamped interior, which will also include a new kitchen and fixtures.

Joseph Barkwill, the vice president of Facilities and Operations, said construction will be finished on time without exceeding the budget. Demolition started last winter. The University Club will now be ADA compliant, providing full wheelchair access, and will contain stonework in the front of the building.

“I think most people notice that the club is really a grand entrance to the University off Hempstead Turnpike,” Barkwill said. “We’re trying to present a much nicer entrance-way into Hofstra. There’s a lot of glass [and] natural light-something that is prevalent in today’s design and architecture but was not back in the 60s.”

Located off the main entrance to the campus’ north side, the University Club has housed trustee meetings as well as formal parties and dinners. It will continue to host the University’s distinguished lecture series, and Barkwill said the school’s administration could decide on holding more social events for students. During the construction, many of the meetings were temporarily relocated to the Axinn Library’s 10th floor.

“We created a larger banquet area to hold larger-size meetings,” Barkwill said. “There may be a spring formal. The idea is to try and entice business to Hofstra. It’s a good recruiting tool: Anytime you can bring potential donors or prospective students to come to the club and see the University, it’s a good thing.”

Two media rooms on the lower level can be reserved for student projects; part of The University Club’s increased information technology capability. The building is expected to be more energy efficient, as all of the windows have been replaced with new glass designed to save money and energy in heating and cooling.

Barkwill initially would not disclose a price tag for the renovation. He released the figure of $3.5 million at the end of the project, adding that the multi-million dollar bill is consistent with the size of the area and the type of work that was required.