One of the best selling points Stevens has over other schools is the unique skyline view. Hoboken is home to some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline. Stevens, in particular, draws students with this beautiful image seen from several places on campus. Until recently, Castle Point was the place to go to gaze across the river at the city that never sleeps.
Over the summer, a new sightseeing location was introduced, Babbio East Patio. Located right outside of the Babbio Center, Babbio Patio looks over the Hudson River and directly at the picturesque Manhattan architecture. With clear views of the Freedom Tower, Empire State Building, and several other iconic buildings, this spot certainly adds to the campus.
While most of us have seen the patio with our own eyes, some may be unfamiliar with what lies beneath the new landscape. The Babbio Patio actually serves as the roof to perhaps a more important aspect of this construction, the Babbio Garage. According to Robert Maffia, Vice President of Facilities and Campus Operations, “the construction of the garage began in April of 2017 and reopened for use in January of 2018, before the start of the spring semester.” Babbio Patio, however, was opened for use June 14, 2018, following the 2018 Spring semester.
The “East Plaza” as Maffia refers to it, can accommodate up to 500 people! Needless to say, this addition to campus conveniently timed up with the massive increase in enrollment here at Stevens. By constructing this new project, the institution was able to “continue the culture of embedding sustainability” by using green infrastructure for the roof of the garage. The garage itself also features “five electric vehicle charging stations and sixty bike parking spaces,” Maffia was delighted to share. He also added that the garage is in the process of switching to License Plate Recognition as its new parking control system. This will eliminate the need for parking hang tags. Both the garage and the patio have already been frequently occupied by students and visitors.
On the first night of classes, the Office of Residence Education hosted the Flock Party After Dark on the patio. According to Maffia, the Flock Party After Dark is a perfect example of the kinds of use we will get out of the patio. “The space is expected to be a venue for student, faculty, staff, and alumni events.”
Even though many are excited about the potential of the new plaza, many in the community comment on it looking bare and thinking, “Will there be any furniture?” The answer is yes! “There will be cafe tables and seating, along with bench seating,” Maffia says. Those features are in the process of being selected and ordered, but they will eventually be there. Thanks to the Class of 2017, there will be a viewfinder like the one at Castle Point, which was donated as their senior class gift.
Any student with an idea for things to go on the patio or to be hosted on the patio can reach out to the Student Government Association with their input. Maffia says, “student input is always welcomed.” Students should look out for events happening on the patio soon.
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