Thwing Center is a student union consisting of two older buildings linked by a modern atrium. The larger building was the original Thwing Hall, named in honor of Charles F. Thwing, president of the University from 1890-1921. The building was constructed in 1913 by the Excelsior Club, a private men's club, and purchased by the University in 1929. It served as the university library until 1956, when Freiberger Library was build. Then Thwing, by itself, served as a student union until Cleveland architect Don Hisaka designed the atrium that connects it with Hitchcock Hall. The latter was built as a private residence in 1897. The University acquired Hitchcock in 1926 to use for classrooms and administrative offices. The Thwing complex now houses the offices of student organizations, the University Bookstore, Mather Gallery, Charlie's Place cafeteria, a postal substation, and the offices of the student newspaper, The Observer.

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