The Hub May2017 | Page 13

The move to the downtown core led the way for rejuvenated interest in the heart of Windsor purchasing the building for one dollar from the City of Windsor. After much back and forth with the Cleary’s existing tenants - including the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Windsor Light Music Theatre, and various conventions and events - the plans were finalized and the St. Clair Centre for the Arts opened. In 2010, the ribbon was cut for the MediaPlex in downtown Windsor, another one dollar building acquisition from the city. Complete with a fully functioning newsroom, the MediaPlex sets about educating converged journalists through real-world broadcasts and reporting. opportunities. Music theatre, hospitality, and arts students are based out of the St. Clair Centre for the Arts - what many still fondly refer to as the Cleary. Together with the Cleary, the two buildings bring over 1000 students to downtown Windsor on a regular basis. The move to the downtown core led the way for rejuvenated interest in the heart of Windsor. Following the college’s move into downtown was the development of the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre and Adventure Bay, as well as the University of Windsor’s acquisition of various city properties and its push to bring its own students downtown. Today, many downtown Windsor businesses and restaurants are thriving due to the multitude of students in the area. On the “South Campus” - the location of St. Clair’s first permanent building on Talbot Road - the college has found its large property a blessing for expansion efforts. In addition to Quittenton Hall, the site has seen several additions since the turn of the century. By 2011, the college was the largest educator of health sciences students, leading the way for the opening of a new 83,000 square foot Centre for Applied Health Sciences. In 2014, the SportsPlex was unveiled. The 85, 000 square foot athletics centre came with a price tag of $25 million and includes a 10, 000 square foot fitness centre, an elevated running track, classrooms and seating for 2,000 in its