As students gathered around the closed door of the Observatory, newspapers covering the windows were peeled back, giving students their first look at the lounge since the end of June.

The day before the long-awaited Sept. 29 opening of the Observatory, the Students’ Association and Observatory management gave students a “sneak peek” at their newly-renovated hangout. After numerous construction delays, manager Paul Norman finally welcomed students to the new Observatory, shaking their hands as they poured in.

Although there was no alcohol service for the sneak peek, students were able to consume free pizza and coffee while listening to a performance by the Jimmy Swift Band. “There’s no alcohol service because this is just a sneak peek,” said Amy Keindel, supervisor of hospitality services. “We didn’t want to do too much at once, we just want people to come in and take it easy.”

During the show about 100 students streamed in and out of the Observatory, some listening to the band and others studying, socializing or admiring the new design. “It looks great, it looked really worn-down before,” said second-year interactive multimedia developer student Melissa Smeltzer, sitting in a booth eating with friends. “It looks more modern, more spacey and the stage setup is awesome,” added her classmate Donna Pearson.

The new features include wireless Internet capabilities, a new wheelchair ramp and a cafeteria-like food service area separate from the bar. Michelle Matthieu, a returning employee at the Observatory, said she is very happy with the changes. “Having the food and bar separate is definitely a good idea,” said Matthieu. “And just look at it, it’s gorgeous.” Tyler Tanner, who worked in the kitchen when he studied police foundations, said the new layout was much more welcoming.

“It’s a lot more like a bar than it was last year, it’s less lounge-like and the kitchen is unreal.” The kitchen, which is partially separated from the rest of the Observatory by a rounded wall, is topped with a skylight built in the space formerly occupied by the smoking patio.

It features cafeteria-style food and beverage service including Starbucks coffee and now accepts the Student Meal Plan card. Another notable change is the stage area, which now features an in-house sound system which links to the D.J. booth at the other end of the lounge, as well as permanent stage lights.

 “The stuff on stage is brought in but the other stuff is ours, a lot of stuff is permanently in place now,” said Norman. Ken MacLeod, who as events programmer for the SA books many shows in the Observatory, said he liked the new stage area and the overall renovations.

 “A lot of people are just happy to come see the space and I could see they were anxious to get in. It’s good for students to have a place to hang out.” Norman said he got many positive reactions from students about the new décor and layout of the lounge. “The special needs students were really happy that we put a ramp in here,” said Norman. “With the old ramp by the door you had to go past the pool tables but with this new one you can bypass the pool tables to the other areas.” The renovations, which cost approximately $750,000, first delayed the opening of the Observatory from Aug. 19 to Sept. 19, then to Sept. 29. “It was worth the wait,” Norman said, adding all delays were construction-related. “As we all know, crap happens,” he said, winking.