Russ Research Opportunity Center
Building Type:
Academic
Campus Green:
Union Green
Grid Map Square:
E-1
Current Use
The newly renovated Russ Research Opportunity Center (formerly West Union Street Office Center) is located on West Union Street, in the North West Corner, between coordinates E-1 and F-1 on the campus map. It is marked as #142 on the map. It is located just west of the new traffic circle on West Union. It is one of four stops on the route of the Campus Area Transportation Services Blue Route shuttle bus.
The Russ Research Opportunity Center is a collaborative research building that lives in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology and allows students and faculty to engage in research transparently and utilize dynamic spaces close to campus and to their home academic building, Stocker Center on West Green.
History
The 3 story building was built in 1920 for the McBee Systems Printing Service. In the 1950's, McBee Systems was purchased by Litton Industries and became known as McBee Litton Industries. Ohio University acquired the building in the 1970's and used it for the Purchasing, Payroll, Treasurer, and Budget offices. After those offices moved to Lindley Hall, the building was purchased by Harold Laughlin. In 1997, major renovations were made to the building, and it become known as the HDL Center.
In 2008, the building was purchased by Ohio University. It was renamed the West Union Street Office Center in 2011. The West Union Street Office Center used to house a number of government and commercial enterprises, including the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services, The Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles (Title Department and Drivers License Division), The Ohio Company, Peoples Bank, the Ohio Lottery Commission, and the Laughlin Vending Company.
Location
160 W. Union St., Athens, OH 45701 (Directions)
The Union Green
Union green is the western gateway to the University and the city of Athens. The green is home to Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Facilities Management & Safety, Russ College of Engineering research, and Culinary Services. Notable buildings on this green include the newly constructed Heritage Hall.
Experience Athens
People can tell you how great the Athens Campus is, but the best way to know whether it’s right for you is to see it—and experience it—for yourself.