UC Blue Ash College Expands Space for Students

Students at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College have a lot of new space to study, meet with friends or relax between classes. The college opened the new Bleecker Street Café and Student Commons this week, to coincide with the beginning of the summer semester.

The new additions cover 7,000 square feet and mark completion of the second portion of a $4.5 million renovation project at Muntz Hall. This phase addresses the need to provide more space for the growing student population, while also enhancing the food options on campus.

“This new space is designed with our students, faculty and staff in mind,” said Cady Short-Thompson, dean of UC Blue Ash.  “We wanted to provide new, inviting and comfortable space where people can come together to meet, study or just take a break from a busy day. I believe this addition will really help transform our campus.”

The Bleecker Street Café is named for an entertainment/restaurant district in New York City’s Greenwich Village. The concept is based on a New York City deli/café and features pizza, fresh baked pastries and bread, signature sandwiches, a breakfast menu, and a coffee bar that includes espresso, smoothies and iced coffee.  

The final phases of the four-phase renovation project include a new library and dean’s suite.  The entire project will be done by August, in time for the start of the fall semester, and will add approximately 22,000 square feet to Muntz Hall.

The new space is needed as UC Blue Ash continues to grow.  The college has more than 6,000 students, up from 4,900 just five years ago, making it the largest regional college campus in Ohio.

UC Blue Ash College is a regional college within the University of Cincinnati.  It offers one of the best values in higher education with access to a nationally recognized UC education in more than 60 programs and degrees and tuition that is about half of most colleges and universities. The college is located on a scenic 135-acre wooded campus in the heart of Blue Ash, Ohio. To learn more, call (513) 745-5600, visit us online at www.ucblueash.edu, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.