I understand it needs fixing. I understand that the plumbing is messed up, that the C store is a “retail loser” and that the facility is just plain outdated. And although the new renovation plans look amazing, I’m not going to lie. I am going to miss the old Norse Commons.

The current Norse Commons is your one-stop-shop for dining, working out, receiving packages, buying convenience store merchandise and even renting movies. Although it’s not the most attractive or prettiest of facilities on campus, Commons has a way of bringing residential students together, especially during its popular late-night hours. But after the renovation is complete, Norse Commons will lose some of its functionality and primarily become a dining and hangout spot.

There is something to be said for having the convenience of a workout facility and convenience store so near to the residential village. On many occasions, I’ve gone for a late-night run in Norse Commons, which I wouldn’t be able to do anywhere else on campus. The current gym in Norse Commons is open 24 hours a day, while the Campus Recreation Center closes by 4 p.m. on Saturday and 11 p.m. most other days of the week. Not to mention that the walk to the Rec Center is quite a hike from the Residential Village and that the beautiful new facility won’t be opening until Summer 2015.

Similarly, Outtakes in the Student Union will become students’ main convenience store once Commons closes, which is neither open late or close to the residence halls. I’ll definitely miss the days of walking into the C store late at night and having my friend Jessica, a Chartwells employee, make me a delicious fruit and yogurt smoothie as we chat about whatever awards show, Olympic event or reality TV show is currently airing on the store’s flat screen.

These things aside, I am curious to see what the future holds for Norse Commons. From all of the designs and blueprints I’ve seen, the new dining facility looks to be quite the undertaking.

The new food stations, seating and hangout areas are sure to be modern, comfortable and inviting. Fortunately, Mary Pat will not be going anywhere.

In time, the new Norse Commons is sure to create many new memories and become as much of a homey place as the old Commons. But for now, I still hold onto the memories of staying way past close during late night, chatting with friends at the village desk, and even trying to rent a movie from the old machine in our old, outdated dining hall.