It was confirmed this week that the empty space in Lowry Mall once occupied by McDonald’s will be renovated throughout the next few months. The area will be split between University Catering and the Student Success Center. Renovations will begin this fall, according to Campus Facilities spokeswoman Karlan Seville.

The McDonald’s that formerly held the space in Lowry Mall [closed its doors May 13](https://www.themaneater.com/stories/2011/4/29/mcdonalds-lowry-mall-set-close-after-30-years-busi/) after more than 30 years of business. 

“The McDonald’s will be divided into two functional units: the existing kitchen will be walled off from the existing dining room area,” Student Success Center Director Jim Spain said. “The kitchen area will be assigned to University Catering. The dining room will be renovated and the space will be open to allow for maximum flexibility.”

Spain confirmed details on how the Student Success Center will expand earlier this week. 

“We are planning on setting up the room to support tutoring and other one-on-one interactions that the other units in the Student Success Center have with students,” he said. “The area will be arranged similar to the main floor of the Student Success Center.”

The Student Success Center currently uses the area above the McDonald’s as a study hall and computer lab and as a place for students to seek tutoring. 

Seville said the projects should be completed by mid-December.

Many students, such as freshman Paul Sponsler, see the positive changes Lowry Mall’s renovation plans can bring, despite the loss of the on-campus McDonald’s. 

“As long as the space is used to benefit the students at Mizzou in some way, I’m happy with it,” Sponsler said.