Renovations at Cohen are complete

February 02, 2026

The Cohen Student Union has completed Phase 2 of renovations. The project focused on providing a more welcoming atmosphere and meeting space for students and those who visit the facility.

The renovation enclosed the outdoor atrium area that was located between Einstein Bros. Bagels and the food court. Visitors entering the space will be greeted by a seating area and a relocated information booth.

A bright, modern interior space with high ceilings, circular pendant lights, and tall windows. A long counter with chairs lined on the left side, and a staircase with a blue railing descends near the large glass wall overlooking palm trees outside.

Second floor of the Cohen Student Union

A newly constructed staircase leads to the second floor, where three conference-style rooms create a more collaborative workspace for students. The second floor also includes a new seating area overlooking the first floor.

A modern seating area with gray lounge furniture and small tables sits beneath a suspended ceiling panel. A bright green wall with the FGCU logo rises behind it, flanked by glass‑walled conference‑style rooms. A blue railing runs along the foreground of the space.

With facility renovations complete, Cohen’s lawn area, located in front of Einstein Bros. Bagels, is now undergoing enhancements. Student Government has long served on the committee overseeing the Cohen renovations and played a key role in bringing the lawn project to life.

Lindsey Johns, director of Organizations & Student Involvement, said students want the lawn to provide additional space to connect and get involved, while remaining accessible and well-lit for safety.

Once completed, the area will feature a turf lawn usable in all weather, new furniture designed to create a welcoming environment, and space for food trucks. Infrastructure for movie screens will also be added.

The lawn project was initiated by former Student Government President Ryan Kaczynski and Vice President Jackson Chumbley and has been continued by current President Gianna Ihuoma and Vice President Giovanna DeMarco.

The new lawn area will be unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the renovated student union in March. Stay tuned for more details!