• What is the Memorial
Union renovation project, and why is
the building
being renovated?
The Memorial Union renovation project has been in the planning stages since 1995.
It is the first comprehensive renovation since the addition opened in 1968. It
became a reality in December, 2003 when a student referendum was passed which
assessed students an additional $6/credit hour fee to finance the needed improvements
to the Memorial Union.
It is being renovated so that once again it becomes a major destination point
for students. As the community center of the campus, the Memorial Union exists
to provide facilities, services, programs and activities for primarily students,
but also for faculty, staff, alumni and guests of the University.
It is also being renovated because much of the infrastructure, such as heating
and cooling systems, plumbing, roof, windows, and technology is obsolete and
in need of repair or replacement. The original building was built in 1958, almost
40 years ago. Although well maintained through the years, the facility shows
many signs of an aging building.
•What is included in the project?
Included will be a new entertainment and activities center (Cody Commons), a
new student organization center (Center for Student Involvement), New food court
concepts and seating area, a renovated Student Service Center, expanded Bookstore
and Student Health Center, a new Commerce Bank facility, a re-located University
mail center, new meeting spaces, state of the art technology, a new atrium lobby/reception
area, a new west entrance, replaced and improved infrastructure, and more!
•What is the timeline for the project?
Program Development March, 2004
Board of Regents Approval April, 2004
Legislative Approval May, 2004
Architect Interview/Selection Process July/August, 2004
Program Review September/October, 2004
Schematic Design Development November/December, 2004
Design Development January/February, 2005
Construction Document Preparation March – July, 2005
Bidding August/September 2005
Renovation/New Construction Begins November, 2005
Renovation should begin by November 1st, and the entire project should be completed
by the summer of 2007. The building will be renovated sequentially, starting
generally in the lower level, and the south end, and moving up and north. As
areas become complete, they will be open for use.
•How much will the renovations cost, and how will the project be
funded?
The estimated cost of renovation will be about $5.8 million. Additional costs
such as architect fees, contingency funds, etc. raise the estimated cost to about
$7.2 million.
The project will be funded from the student fees passed from the student referendum,
Memorial Union reserve funds, University reserve funds, University Bookstore
funds and Chartwells Food Service funds.
•How have students been involved in the planning?
Students have been involved through the entire planning process. In fact, students
have provided the impetus to make renovation a reality through their support
in the student referendum. Opportunities for student involvement have included
membership on Union renovation committees, site visits to other Unions and open
forums. Union renovation architects have listened to students’ ideas, wants
and concerns, presented conceptual ideas for feedback, and brought back revised
concepts based on previous visits and open forums.
•Will the Union be open during renovation?
Renovation will be planned to proceed in phases, so that the entire building
will not be closed at any one time. Parts of the building will need to be closed
for defined time periods. The Union will assist customers, student organizations
and University departments in finding alternate meeting and event spaces when
events cannot be accommodated in the facility. The Union’s goal is to keep
all services up and running as much as possible. Some inconvenience can be expected.
•If I have questions about the Memorial Union renovation, where
can I
get additional information?
Please check the Union renovation web site for updates, or contact Bill Smriga,
Director of Memorial Union (785) 628-5307, or wsmriga@fhsu.edu.
• Can I
get someone to come speak to my group about the Union renovation project?
Yes, you can contact Bill Smriga, Director of Memorial Union (785) 628-5307,
or wsmriga@fhsu.edu.