The vision for the Haupert Union Building, affectionately known as the “HUB,” dates back to the early 1950s, when students began organizing, planning, and fundraising for a dedicated student space on campus. Completed in 1962, it became the first student union building on a college campus in Pennsylvania. Originally known as the “CUB,” or College Union Building, it was widely regarded as “the student center built by students.”

To address the evolving needs of Moravian University’s growing student population, ESa conducted a comprehensive feasibility study that explored multiple design concepts and ultimately established the framework for a transformative renovation and expansion of the existing HUB. The completed improvements have revitalized the aging facility into a modern, vibrant social center that enhances student life, strengthens connections with alumni and the broader community, supports student recruitment efforts, and reinforces the HUB as the heart of campus.

Located adjacent to Makuvek Field, which serves as the home for multiple women’s and men’s varsity sports, the HUB currently houses numerous essential functions at the center of campus. These include the Blue and Gray Café, the main dining room, Student Affairs, the Prosser Auditorium, multiple student lounges, meeting rooms and a black box theater.

The existing building will be significantly demolished to accommodate the new three-story addition that will house student lounges, meeting rooms, gathering spaces, multiple student and administration suites, a new 264-seat conference center, a board room, and a wellness center. The building systems are vastly improved, including a relocated loading dock, now out of public view and upgraded to serve the building more efficiently. The renovation to the root level will include a relocated and upgraded Health and Counseling Center, as well as new dining offices and expanded storage space.

The new HUB features:

  • A grand front desk with enlarged Events Management offices on the main floor.
  • A monumental, sculptural stair at the front entry connecting all three floors of the new addition.
  • An enhanced Career & Civic Engagement Suite.
  • A new Game Room for livestreaming events or standard sports viewing, for the student body.
  • A range of student lounge spaces, complete with individual study pods with small and large gathering spaces, are located throughout the building.
  • An indoor and outdoor casual dining space, the Pavilion, located directly next to the popular Blue and Gray Café.
  • A dedicated Student Organization Suite with offices for Moravian Activities Council and University Student Government.
  • A centralized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Suite.
  • An integrated Student Life Suite including space for multiple departments such as Disability and Accommodations, Student Housing, Greek Life, Residence Life, and Student Accountability.
  • A celebrated Veterans’ Suite for students and alumni.
  • An expanded Mo’s Cupboard, a Food and Resource Pantry for the Moravian University community.
  • A Multi-Faith Prayer Room, including Ablution space.
  • A dedicated Wellness Suite and terrace establishing a quiet, contemplative space for students to seek respite.
  • A classically designed Board Room, complete with the latest conference technologies, for Trustees and other campus governance groups.
  • A large Conference Center supporting Moravian University events, as well as outside conferences and events.
  • Meeting rooms, ranging in size, located throughout the building.
  • Multiple terraces located on each level, including tiered stadium-style seats overlooking Makuvek Field, the varsity athletics field.
  • An upgraded Health and Counseling Center, including therapy, exam, and waiting rooms, at the root level of the building.
  • Improved Dining offices and Kitchen storage.

Drawing inspiration from Moravian University’s rich architectural heritage, the exterior design incorporates historic building forms and materials that reflect the character and history of the campus. Inside, contemporary interiors foster collaboration and interaction among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors. This thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation creates an environment that honors Moravian’s culture while providing modern amenities, flexible programming spaces, and dynamic architecture that supports the needs of today’s campus community.

The HUB earned pre-certification from the International WELL Building Institute during design and construction, reflecting Moravian University’s commitment to health, wellness, and occupant well-being. Upon certification, the building became the first WELL-certified building in the Lehigh Valley and one of a select number of WELL-certified buildings in Pennsylvania, further reinforcing the university’s leadership in creating healthy and supportive environments for students and the campus community.

Photos: ©Nick Chismar, ©Jeremiah Hull