The Landing: Ellicott’s New Hot Spot

UB’s new $21 million spotlight feature, The Landing, has gathered much attention since the beginning of its development. Has The Landing “landed” with the students?

Immersed in TV screens and comfy lounge areas, the two story space has transformed into Ellicott’s new ‘front door,’ being utilized as an accessible study area available for students 24/7. The Landing is accessible either through the Ellicott Tunnel, Fargo Quad, or the grand entrance next to Greiner Hall. 

The project kicked off in December 2021, with the anticipated construction beginning in May 2023. The Landing had become accessible in the Fall of 2024, while still undergoing slight electrical construction; the site was cleared for students to use as a study space henceforth. 

The highlighted features of The Landing include the social staircase, study areas, flexible lounges, front-facing points of service, a courtyard patio, and more. The versatile seating arrangements offer students to study in harmony with students that are lounging.

The Landing offers a wide variety of seating and spaces to unwind. In a Campus News article, interim director of housing operations Brian Haggerty says, “There will be a mix of seating — high-top, low-top tables, upholstered pieces, hard pieces. The social stair is a really nice concept for people to just drop down and casually interact with others or just sit by themselves to check their texts, watch Netflix — things like that.” Haggerty seeks to create a more accessible Ellicott experience for all students.

“When I come to The Landing, I mostly come here to play video games… I bring my Xbox, play my 2k, Madden, and I’m good,” says Iyonmwan, a senior who is a resident of Ellicott. “It is very convenient – I mean, they have a gaming spot with everything you can think of…tons of TVs.”

As someone once said, great things take time. Although a lengthy and strenuous project, the finishing product has been a hit amongst students. With the convenience of The Landing being accessible through the Ellicott tunnel, many students come here for studying, whether between class or late-night cramming sessions. 

Allan, a second year Fargo resident tells me, “It’s a little easier because I dorm in Fargo, so I just have to go downstairs. I go to The Landing when I’m over by Ellicott rather than Silverman library when I’m on campus.”

Another student tells me, “It’s pretty awesome and spacious… They have games, vending machines, hangout areas. It’s cool.”

The location of Ellicott’s new hot spot conveniently places it to be the perfect sanctuary for student study sessions. Whether students are looking for a quiet study space, a social hangout, or a spot to unwind, The Landing has cemented itself as a vibrant and versatile addition to campus life.

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