The Price Center Building Advisory Committee met on Nov. 7 to discuss further plans for the Price Center expansion concerning space planning and the inclusion of three new programs areas: an inter-faith center, an alumni relations/visitor center and a fitness center.

The plans presented by architectural firm Cannon include four different models of space planning. These models are not architectural designs, but rather designs on how available space could be organized. These include varying locations for UCSD Bookstore and the ballrooms, as well as the inclusion of new student spaces. Committee members voiced their opinions on the necessity for certain spaces to be in specific locations, such as the placement of the bookstore for optimum retail.

“”I think that the bookstore would work best, from a student perspective, on the south side and toward the west,”” said Justin Williams, student co-chair of the BAC. “”I feel that when students were asked, their perception was that the expansion would be for student-related services and student space, such as offices, meeting rooms and food, and the bookstore taking this space would go against this intention.””

The expansion is currently planned to extend behind the current Price Center. This building, or series of buildings, would be constructed according to space necessities and monetary constraints.

The ideal building, according to architects and committee members, would be one that included a subterranean level for parking and service. This level would allow for greater space on the ground floor of the building and increased prime retail space, which is in high demand.

An additional plan would extend the expansion over the current shuttle stop behind Price Center and add a subterranean level to house the shuttle stop and offer more underground space. This idea was well-received by the committee and considered for further plans.

“”[The larger extension] is a great idea as far as to provide shelter to the shuttle stop against inclement weather,”” Williams said. “”It will also increase traffic to Price Center, which will help support the building and offer more ground floor space for student services such as the Cross-Cultural Center and the 24-hour lounge.””

The A.S. Council supported the inter-faith center in a recent resolution. It is a project that has been considered since 1989 and would house office, meeting and worship space as well as house the Office of Religious Affairs. The project would be privately funded to abide by laws concerning the separation of religion and state.

The alumni relations/visitor center would also be privately funded. According to plans, it would act as a place for alumni and students to interact.

The fitness center would be part of a greater wellness center planned for an undecided location. It would include a variety of services, such as recreation rooms, showers and possibly new food vendors. This committee is mostly in favor of this plan for reasons varying from student support in earlier surveys to achievability of the plan.

“”All three programs are very important,”” Williams said. “”However, I think the 24-hour recreation concept would have top priority and be most feasible in terms of time and cost. It would also bring more students, which would create a more vibrant student location, and provide more access to recreation for commuter students and other students, such as those at Sixth College who live far from other recreation facilities.””

Official decisions regarding the three plans have not yet been made. However, the deadline for the BAC was extended to give each program more time to develop plans and find donors. It was also decided that each program would meet with Gary Ratcliff, director of University Centers, to discuss the scope of the plans.

The deadline was extended from Dec. 5 to Jan. 9, with six members voting in favor of the extension, two opposing and one voting for a longer extension.

Williams felt that extended deadlines were necessary to ensure careful planning.

“”I really believe there is a great benefit to providing greater services to the students,”” he said. “”The expansion goes beyond the first year of opening. The inclusion of these services will affect students for a long time after the original opening.””