The Lounge, a new public area for relaxation and study, was introduced in the University Union at the start of the fall quarter. Previously, the space was occupied by dining venues Mustang Station and Red Radish.
After a lease with Cal Poly Partners expired in June, Red Radish was relocated to the 1901 Marketplace. However, Mustang Station closed its doors—leaving students feeling disappointed.
Electrical engineering sophomore Logan Harrington described the pizza option as a good meeting place on campus.
“I think Mustang Station was a focal point of our community, and it offered very good food for efficient prices,” Harrington said. “It brought me and my friends together [because] we [would] get one pizza [and] all share it.”
Saxton Tofuri, an electrical engineering sophomore, said there is no other real substitute to Mustang Station on campus.
“[Mustang Station was] not healthy or anything,” Tofuri said. “It [was just] pizza, but it’s relatively cheap, and that’s what everyone wanted.”
Communications Specialist for Cal Poly Partners Aaron Lambert said that students who want pizza can go to Hearth in Vista Grande Dining Complex and that there will be a pizza venue in 1901 Kitchen inside 1901 Marketplace when it opens this fall.
He added all Mustang Station staff, students and full-time, were given jobs at other campus venues.
The Lounge features tabletop and outdoor game options, and a free library, ASI said in an email to Mustang News. The space operates 6 a.m. through midnight on weekdays and 8 a.m. through midnight on weekends.
“Being in here with the air conditioning is really nice,” civil engineering freshman Marlene Rodriguez said. “I’ve only sat here to do homework which is a good reason I would come in here.”
The 4,176 square foot space can seat up to 125 students with its indoor and outdoor seating, according to ASI in an email to Mustang News.
Walls and windows feature artwork from ASI’s Graphic Design Department, complemented by decorative plants managed in partnership with the ornamental horticulture department.
