Originally constructed in 1939 as UBC's undergraduate student centre, Brock Hall provided for a variety of activities including food services, lectures, dances and student council meetings. The modest cast-in-place concrete / wood frame building centred around the two-storey 5,200 sq. ft. Hall featuring intricate beamed ceiling, wood paneled walls, dual fireplaces and french doors leading to a once popular outdoor terrace overlooking busy East Mall. Having carried out minor space upgrades in the 'heritage' building, The Colborne Architectural Group was approached by the Registrar's Office to carry out a larger scope feasibility study for refurbishment of Brock Hall as UBC's 'Welcome Centre', a first point of contact for new students, campus visitors and VIP's.

An overview assessment was made of Student Service's current 37,000 sq. ft. net area to understand how the heritage building and more recent (1990) 'East Wing' two-storey addition might be reconfigured to meet future space needs. Student Services wanted to re-define the range and manner in which services are delivered to students as well as create an effective orientation centre for campus visitors. More than one option was developed. The preferred approach saw the two-storey Hall brought back as the focal point with major new pedestrian connection to the East Wing entry 'atrium' and improving the complex's confusing way-finding. Departmental areas are arranged around the Hall with new features such as orientation theatre, student counseling and recruitment offices, resource library and food services areas added. Options for building additions and utilizing current basement areas were introduced bringing Student Services' total net usable area to over 60,000 sq. ft. Construction estimate, $12.7M, 2000.