Students enjoy remodeled Union
Conversations are buzzing about the Memorial Union renovation with words like modern, convenient and comfortable describing the changes.
The Memorial Union expansion and renovation project, which started in July 2005, is starting to show concrete changes.
The remodeling project involves 123,000 square feet of space, with an additional 68,000 square feet expanding existing service areas, studying space and recreational facilities.
“It’s nice to not have construction around all of the food places now,” said Hailey Hawkins, a junior in equine studies.
The basement of the Union is almost complete, boasting a new food court and dining buffet. International Cuisine is the final vendor and will be opening within a month.
“We felt that having limited or inconvenient resources is better than having nothing at all,” said Dean of Student Life Janna Stoskopf. “We wanted students to feel like they are part of the process.”
Lounge area for students on the main floor is steadily opening, with student government and the Student Activities offices permanently set up in their offices.
The Administrative office and The Spectrum will move to the upper level eventually.
The main corridor will also undergo renovation in the upcoming months.
The line of shops including The Copy Shop and Graphics will be relocated to the east side of the hallway. Bison Connection will replace the shops.
“Bison Connection is a new facility that will include an outlet for registration and records, the business office and financial matters,” said Chris Suriano, associate director for Operations and Facility Management. “Students won’t have to travel from building to building anymore.”
The new ballroom on the upper level is targeted for completion around the March 1.
Luncheons, dinners, MU Live on Friday nights and even weddings can be held in the room.
All rooms in the union can be reserved for free during regular building hours for any student or faculty organization. Outside groups can rent the facility.
The $21 million project is being paid for by the student union bond fee, which students voted on last spring during student body general elections.
Twenty-six percent of the student body voted and 66 percent voted yes to increase student fees for the development of the Union.
The Wellness Center voted on the expansion and remodeling of their facilities in exchange for higher student fees at the same time.
“National average is between 10-12 percent and legislature was comfortable with the amount of student support during voting to okay the project,” said Stoskopf.
Student fees have been increased from $15 to $45 per semester for the project over the course of four years.
The increase started in fall 2004. The increased amount is separate from the Wellness Center and Student Activity fees.
Students feel that despite the increase in fees, the Union looks nice and is worth the extra money.
“Updates are necessary and have to be done,” said Jake Ellwein, a junior in agricultural and biosystems engineering. “You go to other colleges like the University of Minnesota and they have nice facilities; we should too.”
The Varsity Mart and Dining Services contributed a combined $6 million to the effort.