Word on the street is that Williston’s Reed Campus Center is getting a makeover.
The Reed Center is mostly used for its “Stu-Bop,” a café that sits in the upper level of the building’s renovated pool. Below is a carpeted area where many lower-classmen tend to hang out, with couches and booths where people can sit.
Though outdated, it remains an area where many people gather and work—and now it’s due for a makeover. Renovations are planned for the summer of 2026 to give it a new, cleaner, and modern touch up.
Carson Farrell, a freshman day student from Greenfield, Mass., said she’s used Reed as a space to spend time in between classes and to go to the Stu-Bop.
“I usually go in there with friends during H- blocks,” she said. “I will get a snack or sometimes lunch too.”
Carson also thinks that more people would work in Reed if it had more tables.
“It’s hard to do work on the couches, and since there aren’t many tables in Reed, it’s just easier to do work in the library,” she said.
Riley Platt, a junior day student from South Hadley, Mass., thinks that the renovation will attract more people, at first.
“I think that the renovation will cause a lot of attention at first because it’s just something new,” she said. “I don’t think [the attention] will last long, because of the number of freshmen that usually hang out in there.”
Riley also thinks that Reed becoming cleaner and more modern would be nice.
“It’s just a little dirty right now,” she said. “I think if they made it more modern, while also getting some new stuff for students would be good.”
Madi Goulet, a junior from Hadley, Mass., thinks that the renovation could cause a lot of overpopulation in the Stu-Bop, which may make it crowded.
“I know the renovation is needed, but I don’t know if it will have too many people in there at once,” she said. “Especially during H block in the Stu-Bop, it’s already crowded in there as it is.”
Madi thinks that if the Stu-Bop area could be larger as part of the renovation, that would benefit everyone.
“I think more seating in the Stu-Bop would be beneficial, but it’s also just a small space for a café in general,” Madi said.
Peter Holden, Chief Financial Officer, detailed the renovation.
“The project focuses on the lower area of the Reed Campus Center,” he said. “We are looking to create new program spaces that not only support the evolving needs of our student community but also creates a space of that offers a true sense of pride and belonging for our students.”
Holden also explained how these changes to Reed will help students.
“The space will still embrace the physical current tiered platform concept (due to the old pool), and the space will be designed to respect the history, but also will have a new look and will designed to support a variety of different types of events in the space, such as music performances, films, club events, and/or just allowing people to hang out!” he said.
According to Northlake Behavioral Health, a nice study space where you feel comfortable helps learning.
“Creating an effective study space is of utmost importance for academic success,” the website states. “A well-designed study space can significantly enhance productivity and concentration levels, so it is crucial to find a quiet and comfortable area free from distractions.”
