TCC alum had input on planning of new Virginia Beach Student Center

After all, the architectural associate with Waller, Todd and Sadler Architects knows a thing or two about the college, being a graduate himself.

Waller, Todd and Sadler Architects partnered with Hom + Goldman Architects for the design of the 89,000 square-foot Virginia Beach Student Center, which opened on Jan. 13.

“My involvement was heavy in the schematic planning, mostly in determining the exact location of the building,” Hubbell said. “I was tagged as an advisor of sorts in how the campus worked, and how placement of the building could be optimized to capture established circulation patterns. This ultimately led to the building being located on the pond, a unique solution to say the least.”

Hubbell said it was key for the student center to be located centrally to maximize benefit for the students. Inside the options abound with plenty of dining choices, study lounges, a fitness center, Barnes & Noble and gaming rooms. The duck-populated pond and surrounding trees offer picturesque views from various vantage points.

Hubbell – who added that his degree from TCC helped him secure a commission as a civil engineer corps officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve – said it’s satisfying to see all the hard work come to fruition.

“It’s a living art, and you can look around and say, ‘A couple of years ago, we were standing around here and looking at an open field,’” he said. “Now there’s something here, and it helps people in their everyday lives. I would have spent a lot less time at Wendy’s up the road and more time studying if this were here when I was here. It really is a beautiful building.”