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Grand View University is planted deep within the roots of Des Moines occupying a large space on the east side. For years the campus has been making drastic changes left and right to attract the amount of students it hosts today.

University leaders decided years ago that with a growing student body, a big project was going to need to be developed. That’s when the plan for the new Student Center emerged.

President Kent Henning said that this has been a dream of his for quite sometime.

“Probably 12 years,” he said.

Provost Mary Elizabeth Stivers said she also saw the need.

“The old Student Center was showing its age,” she said, adding that students aren’t only at the school for an education but also for an overall experience. The Student Center project was the step needed to deliver that.

“It is a significant difference,” said Adam Voigts, vice president for administration and finance. He said that to seeing all of the hard work that many people put into renovating the Student Center really pays off.

Voigts also said that it is something the people of the university and Des Moines community is very proud of.

But there is always more to do. Looking forward to what’s next, Henning said that “much smaller” renovations will remain in effect for the university.

Voigts said that Jensen and Elings are two of the buildings that the university might focus on next. The currently empty Eden is also on the list.

“Nothing is being specifically identified,” Voigts said, “but renovations to Knudsen and Nielsen could be seen within the future. There are always needs from a facility standpoint.”

Stivers said they aren’t just looking at physical renovations and changes to the school but also possible new majors. For example the social work major is currently in candidacy.

“The school has enormous potential,” Stivers said.