Although the craft shop was closed last year due to budget cuts, the 4,000 square feet of empty space in the Culp Center will not go unused.
The former craft shop will be turned into a work area for campus student organizations. No official decision on exactly what type of work area has been determined at this time.
An eight-person committee are been meeting for the past three weeks to discuss the fate of the empty space.
“We are working to meet the needs for student organizations on campus,” said Debbie White, assistant vice president for student life and leadership.
During the meetings, the committee has been brainstorming and thinking about how to create a space that allows student groups to come together, provides workspace and is near Student Affairs staff and advisors.
“We want cooperation and sharing between our organizations,” said Tony Warner, assistant vice president for the university center and ID services.
Computer stations, large tables and storage space are among several ideas discussed, White said.
The project will cost at least $50,000, said Warner.
Carpet, electrical wiring, network wiring, furniture and portable walls will have to be purchased before the project is complete, Warner said.
“The earliest we could be done, in my opinion, is in January,” said Warner.
No decisions have been made on what organizations will be able to use the space.

Author