Memorial Union Reinvestment design plans begin for next year
By Emily Connor
In 1928, as the oak doors first opened and students and community members stepped onto the marble floors, not one could imagine the amount of history, heart and soul that the Memorial Union would come to hold. For over eighty years, thousands have come and gone, reading at the Terrace, enjoying a beer at the Stiftskeller and studying in the hallowed hallways. However, as time progressed, the building showed its need for renovation, and the Memorial Union Reinvestment project emerged to ensure that the heart and soul of campus remains the historic landmark it has become.
As part of a student referendum in 2006, students voted to rebuild Union South but also renovate the Memorial Union. With Union South completed in April 2011, design committees returned to their drawing boards to focus on the Memorial Union.
Student project manager Colin Plunkett said the building will be renovated in two phases. Construction on phase one will begin late spring 2012 and will continue through summer 2014. According to Plunkett, the renovation ideas are mostly finalized at this point in the project. “Everything is still slightly changing, but the general idea is set,” Plunkett said.
Phase one construction will be mostly concentrated on the west wing (Theater Wing), which includes the Hoofers lounge, shop, and offices. Hoofers will see important changes, as their shop is expanded so areas can be brought up to code and regulation standards. The Union Theater and Play Circle Theater will also undergo much needed renovations, including new seating and a new stage floor for the Union Theater. The new seats will be larger and more comfortable for guests. Increasing the accessibility of the building was also a concern raised during design development. Some of the art galleries will be renovated so the theaters and galleries can accommodate guests of all needs, and design plans will create universal accessibility for the entire building. Updating heating and air-conditioning systems will also be a vital part of the renovation project.
Renovations will be an important part of the overall project, but small additions are also being undertaken. Designers plan to build a two-story rehearsal room next to the main entrance in the front area of the Union where the bike circle currently resides. Plunkett insisted adequate storage for bikes would be maintained, as this was an important concern raised by students and members during designing processes.
A small addition is also planned for the back area of the Stiftskeller. The area is currently planned as a game room and may potentially have four pool tables, one air hockey table and one dart board.
Plans are still under consideration regarding construction of the 5th floor of Memorial Union. General construction will begin spring 2012, but Plunkett ensured that the Memorial Union, and most importantly, the Terrace, will remain fully operational throughout the duration of the project.
“Everything will be up and operational during every summer. The Terrace is such a big part of the Union, and we are trying as hard as we can not to affect it,” said Plunkett. “Hoofers will be displaced for only one summer, in 2013, which is a really big accomplishment to only displace them for one summer.“
All renovations and additions have been carefully considered and planned, and Plunkett ensured that student and member input remains a top concern. All of the decision-making bodies, including the design committee, executive committee and union council, have a student majority.
“We have done a ton a surveys and had public forums. We will also plan to have a big event at Memorial Union Bash so students can learn about the project and give more feedback,” said Plunkett.
Meetings, which are open to the public, will take place at least one to two times a month. More public forums, where members can learn and share their ideas, will be planned for the fall. All of the information regarding meetings and forums can be found on the Memorial Union Reinvestment website, along with more information about the project plans.
