The Jim Thorpe Multicultural Center is getting a face-lift and a new location. The Old Commons building on Asp Avenue, south of the dormitories, is undergoing a $4.4 million renovation to become the center’s new home.

It will house the American Indian Student Life group, Asian American Student Life group, Latino Student Life group, International Students Association and Association for Disabled Students, said Clark Stroud, vice president for Student Affairs.

Construction began in August and is scheduled to be completed this fall. The building will include a conference room for each major group, multipurpose areas, a workroom, storage, and a second story lounge.

The multipurpose rooms will have soundproofed dividing walls with thick foam lining. Each multipurpose space also will be equipped with a sound system to improve microphones or music.

The second story lounge is modeled after Beaird Lounge in the Oklahoma Memorial Union, Stroud said, with an open environment overlooking the multipurpose areas.

The layout of the building is dynamic, with mobile walls which can partition off specific parts of the building during events, while leaving bathrooms and the kitchen accessible.

President David Boren toured the new location with leaders from the five student groups and got their feedback before construction started, Stroud said.

“These groups that were seen as a minority on campus now have a place to grow and prosper,” UOSA president Amanda Holloway said. “For students as a whole [the new center] will be a place where you can learn about cultures, work with, and for each other. It is a great way to develop our student body and Student Life’s involvement.”

The interior decorating was done to fit the student lifestyle. All of the fixtures will be streamlined and modern to match the building’s outward appearance and overall character, Stroud said.