Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2014) -- California Baptist University's Lancer Plaza North opened this fall with a brand new look and welcomed students and other visitors during an open house on Sept. 5.

Before CBU acquired the 11-acre property in 2006, restaurants and retail stores occupied the shopping center that was known as Adams Plaza. Today, as an integral new part of the CBU campus, the facility offers space for university offices, student areas and a popular new dining facility.

The new occupants are Office of Spiritual Life, Community Life Office, Campus Store, Office of Leadership and Transitions and the Associated Students of California Baptist University (ASCBU). El Monte Grill, a Mexican-themed restaurant, is also located there. The offices recently celebrated the move with a grand opening.

What do the occupants enjoy most about their new location? Space.

"We love everything, the space, the storage room," said Heather Hubbert, assistant dean of students in the Office of Leadership and Transitions.

"It's so big, there's room for meetings and for students to come in," said Taylor Rilling, graduate assistant for ASCBU.

Most offices housed in the new Lancer Plaza locations moved from the Yeager Center, some from more than one location. The new offices have room for storage, room to grow and for some, the staff is now in one location.

"It's the first time I've been with my staff," said Chris Hofschroer, assistant dean of students in Community Life. Hofschroer enjoys having staff, storage and recreation rental items all in one location that includes a lounge furnished with Ping-Pong tables and sofas where students can hang out.

"It's warm and inviting," he said. "Our students are realizing that."

Components of the Office of Spiritual Life (OSL) used to be located in four different offices. John Montgomery appreciates having all the staff in one location.

"Having a ‘one-stop' location for all ministry areas of OSL should make it easier for students to find us," he said.

Office of Leadership and Transitions was formerly the Campus Life Office. It split into the Office of Leadership and Transitions and University Card Services, which remains in the Yeager Center. The function of the Office of Leadership includes new student orientation, student leadership and the FOCUS (First-year Orientation & Christian University Success) program.

"We love the community," Hubbert said, referring to the other offices in the complex. "We love having the space for students to visit."