Fancy a building with secrets? That’s the SCAD Student Center for you. It stands here at 120 Montgomery Street. This building wasn’t always the Student Center. It has quite a history.
Originally, it was a synagogue. The Congregation B’nai B’rith built it in 1909. Hyman Witcover was the architect. He designed it in an exotic revival style. Keyhole arches and Moorish-style domes are some features. Look for arabesque patterns. They define the windows. Intricately carved details decorate the Student Center.
The congregation used this building until 1970. Then, it became a church. Saint Andrews Independent Episcopal Church held services here until 2002.
SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design, acquired the building in 2003. After renovations, it reopened as the Student Center in 2006. Now it’s a hub for student life.
Student Involvement offices are on the entry level. You’ll also find SERVE and the United Student Forum. The Inter-Club Council meets here. So does the Student Activities Council. The Student Center Director’s office is here too.
But wait, there’s more. Head to the second floor. You will find the SCAD Esports Arena. It boasts 36 gaming stations. SCAD’s varsity Esports teams practice here. These include Overwatch and League of Legends teams. Students can also play games during open hours.
The Student Center is an underrated gem. It’s tucked away behind Broughton Street. It’s a multipurpose building. The Student Center offers many resources.
Inside are Mac and PC desktops. Students can use printers. There are both black and white and laser color printers. Scanners and Cintiqs are also available. Check the SCAD app for resource availability.
Daylight floods the Student Center through large windows. Stained glass casts colorful shadows. This creates a serene atmosphere. It feels almost ethereal. Illustration and animation students find it a great workspace. It is an alternative to other halls.
The top level is perfect for meetings. There are lush couches and armchairs. Host meetings in a cozy setting. The synagogue’s architecture is a backdrop. It’s perfect for Zoom meetings. The top floor even has napping pods. Take a break or recharge in these pods.
Before it was the Student Center, it was the Congregation B.B.J Synagogue. The design was based on New York City’s Central Synagogue. A group of Jewish settlers arrived in Savannah in the 1730s.
Men sat in the center section of the synagogue. Women and children sat on the sides. This architectural element is common in synagogues.
The congregation raised money to build the synagogue. They sold seats and accepted donations. Later, they built a Hebrew School.
The synagogue was decommissioned in 1962. The congregation moved to Ardley Park. Saint Andrew’s Independent Episcopal Church bought it. SCAD acquired it later. It transformed into the Student Center. It now hosts Esports teams, meetings, and student gatherings. So, next time you’re on Broughton Street, visit the Student Center. This historic building offers a unique space. It’s where history meets modern student life.