Homestead Campus has transformed the first floor of Building A, its oldest building, into a new Student Life Center.
The renovated space, which took a year between the planning and construction phase and cost $3.2 million, was unveiled to the community on Sept. 10 during a ribbon cutting ceremony.
It is designed to give students a place to study, socialize and have access to resources like the food pantry and the pet pantry.
“The center is the heart of the Homestead Campus experience. It is a place where students can hang out and feel at home,” said Gabriel Curbelo, the director of campus administration at Homestead Campus, who oversaw the renovation project.
Building A originally served as a bank before becoming part of Homestead Campus. Until December of 2025, the first floor included student services like admissions, financial aid, registration and testing. After those services moved to Building C, much of the first floor became vacant, leaving space for the space to be transformed.
The new space now houses Student Life, the Student Government Association, the Institute for Civic Engagement and Development and the MDC Works Career Studio.
There is also a 65-seat room that serves different purposes throughout the day. In the morning, it serves as a classroom, but in the afternoon and evening, it can be reserved for student organization meetings and other activities.
The center also encourages students to have fun and unwind between classes. It features gaming areas and board games, and a ping-pong table in the patio area. A pool table is also expected to be added.
“Whether you want to take on a leadership role by going into SGA or becoming a club e-board member, your journey in college is your classes plus networking, knowing people, and engaging,” said Homestead Campus President Beverly Moore-Garcia. “I just wanted them to have a comfortable, full experience when they came to college that lasts for years and years.”
The Student Life Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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