Renovations of the Spencer Center are taking shape. In November 2013, CC began an extensive $8 million overhaul of the building on the corner of Tejon and Cache La Poudre streets, which was built in 1900 as the Plaza Hotel. The renovation brings together administrative offices and related services in a dedicated “service center” for students and will help facilitate coordination among various departments. Here’s a quick guide:

• First floor: Financial aid, student accounts, payroll, human resources, and campus boardroom
• Second floor: President’s Office, finance and administration, and ITS leadership offices
• Third floor: Advancement
• Fourth floor: Communications

The building has a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, providing enhanced energy efficiency. The roof will support an 18-kilowatt solar array, which will provide 20 percent of the building’s electricity needs.

The Spencer Center has been significantly modified over the years as the building adapted from a hotel to resident, office, and mercantile uses. The building’s rich history is retained with authentic features such as a central staircase, coffered and beamed ceilings, wainscot and chair rail millwork, and revival lighting accents, echoing the building’s original 1901-era décor. There are added modern touches, however, in addition to those that make Spencer Center one of the most energy-efficient buildings on campus: A large “bump out” on the corner of Tejon and Cache La Poudre streets will help increase pedestrian safety.