The Southern College of Optometry plans a renovation and expansion of the fourth floor of its 11-story tower in the Memphis Medical District.

The renovation calls includes upgrades to the space, originally built in the 1970s, which currently houses the school’s diner, student lockers and study areas.

The plans include closing in balcony spaces to add 1,000 square feet of usable floor space. The changes, in addition to more efficiently using the space, will improve line flow at peak times.

Additionally, the Blink Diner will be upgraded with an expanded kitchen. Its existing furniture will be replaced with new furnishings that can serve both dining and studying functions. Student lockers will be moved to the sixth floor. Lastly, the existing floor plan will be reconfigured to fill the space with more natural light.

Additionally, the second floor lobby, the third floor breezeway and the breezeway between the tower and The Eye Center will be completely closed off, with access to some classrooms and the third floor available from the south side of the building.