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In a landmark moment in the evolution of the campus, the University received permission from the city of Scranton to vacate a portion of Linden Street that bisected several primary campus buildings. Construction to turn the street into the area now known as the Commons began in June of 1980.
Prior to the creation of the Commons, students were forced to dodge traffic between two essential campus buildings: St. Thomas Hall (academic) and the Gunster Student Center. The creation of the Commons dramatically improved safety for students and, more importantly, established a central gathering area for students, faculty and staff.
In the years since it was created, the University has enhanced the Commons through landscaping and lighting. Most recently, a clock was placed in front of the Gunster Student Center. The Commons is also home to most of the University's monumental statues: Jacob and the Angel, Metanoia and the Celebration of Life fountain, Christ the Teacher, and the Doorway of the Soul. New construction along the Commons in the years since it was created includes the Weinberg Memorial Library and Byron Recreation Complex.