In addition to the powers conferred upon dormitory housing commissions by the other provisions of this chapter, a dormitory housing commission is empowered to acquire, construct, improve, add to, reconstruct, repair, maintain, operate and manage any or all student union buildings and student centers to consist of a building or buildings containing the facilities, equipment and furnishings common to student union buildings and student centers as such buildings and centers exist in the various colleges and universities in the United States, including but without limitation, facilities for the feeding and recreation of students and including all equipment, structures, appurtenances and facilities necessary to supplying such unions and centers with sewer, water, electric, heating, telephone and similar public utility facilities, landscaping, parking space, and streets, roads or alleys necessary for proper ingress and egress. Wherever the words "dormitory project" or "dormitory housing project" appear in this chapter, whether in the singular or plural, they shall be understood to include student union buildings, student centers and facilities as authorized in this section, either singly or in combination with one or more dormitories or similar housing facilities. Wherever the word "dormitory" appears in this chapter, whether singular or plural, it shall be understood to include a student union building or student union center and related facilities as authorized in this section.