On a cool but sunny winter afternoon, freshman Katie Carpenter had plans to enjoy a quick lunch with a friend before heading to class. Carpenter, a fashion and textile management major from Holly Springs, N.C., found the perfect spot at The Corner<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Located at\u2009\u2014\u2009you guessed it\u2009\u2014\u2009the corner of Main Campus and Research Drive on Centennial Campus, The Corner is a new open-air space featuring four repurposed and brightly colored shipping containers. One is set up for caf\u00e9 dining; another has a long table for group meetings. The rest offer a hodge-podge of seating, complete with outlets for charging devices. In the evenings, the area is lit up with string lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n . . .\u2009a great place to study or catch up with friends between classes.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u201cI first went to The Corner for a sorority event,\u201d Carpenter says, \u201cand thought it would be a great place to study or catch up with friends between classes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Corner was the brainchild of Jude DesNoyer \u201906, \u201922 MR, activation and outreach manager for the Real Estate and Development Office. DesNoyer says he had been toying around with the idea of using old shipping containers as a gathering place for several years. While Fitts-Woolard Hall was under construction, the area was used to store equipment. \u201cOnce the building was complete, the space was vacant,\u201d DesNoyer says. \u201cI pitched my idea for The Corner and ran with it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Corner opened in late fall, right before the students left for winter break, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals and groups are encouraged to reserve container space, or even the whole lawn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":"\n\n\n\n\nBy Caroline Barnhill \u201905<\/h4>\n\n\n\n