Renovation Updates

HOW DO I GET IN? HOW DO I GET OUT?
The Memorial Union's northeast entrance (facing the quad closest to the Student Service Center) is once again closed, as a construction fence has surrounded the north and northeast side of the Union. This means that the only public entrance into the Union until this summer will be the southeast entrance --- the entrance that leads directly into Union Station near Grab n' Go. To get to the Student Service Center, University Bookstore and Commerce Bank, simply enter the southeast door, turn right and go down the hallway. Although the southeast entrance is the only public entrance, there are numerous exits from the building on the west and south sides.

BRING YOUR LUNCH TO THE UNION. WE DON'T MIND!
For those of you that bring sack lunches to campus, you can still take advantage of the gorgeous new dining facilities by bringing your lunch to the Union. We've even added a microwave oven to the seating area of Union Station so you can heat up your leftovers or whatever food you bring. Come out of your cubicles and join the campus community and see what the Union has to offer. For those who frequent Grab 'n Go, you can now get sumptuous "Outtake" subs and signature salads. These are available all day, and beyond the time that Mondo Subs or the Food Court are open.

UNION RENOVATION UPDATE- IMPORTANT!
   Please note that Cody Commons in the Memorial Union will be closed until January 29 in order to finish the renovation around the new stairwell that connects Cody Commons with the first floor. This means that temporarily there is no food service in Memorial Union, since Mondo Subs is located in Cody Commons. The Chartwells Catering Office also will move back to the Union this month. We will keep everyone posted when that move occurs.
    Union Station, which includes all of the first floor food service and the Grab 'n Go convenience store is scheduled to open on Monday, February 5. The food court includes Pizza Hut, Coyote Jack's, Hot Entrees and salad bar. NOTE: Scheduled opening dates are subject to change. We will keep everyone posted.
    The University Bookstore entrance continues to be at the west side of Memorial Union, across the street from the parking lot. Please note that one cannot enter the Bookstore from any other entrance, both inside and outside the Union.
    The Union Admin Office, which includes the Student Service Center and the Tiger Card Office, are located temporarily in the Trails Room, in the north end of the second floor. The Commerce Bank office is located in the same area.
    Once Union Station is complete and open, meal plan transferability will return to the Memorial Union.

WORK BEGINS IN THE NORTHWEST AREA OF UNION -- ENTRANCES TO UNION AFFECTED - October 20, 2006
   Starting today the construction crew will begin building walls in the west and north/south corridors of the Union as they continue to demo the former Student Service Center and Student Government areas. The entrance from the west side into the Union will lead only to the Bookstore. For the next few months, this will be the only entrance in and out of the Bookstore. There will not be access to the Bookstore once you are inside the Union through any of the other entrances.
    Another wall will be installed on the south end of Sunset Lounge. This means that entering through the north door into the Sunset Lounge will provide access only to the Lounge and to the spiral stairs and north stairwell. Finally, a wall will be put in the hallway south of the abandoned Student Service Center. Access to the ATM will remain from the NE doors (facing the quad) until October 26, when a new ATM is installed in the first floor hallway opposite the women's bathroom.
    Access from the new SE entrance remains unchanged, except that one will only be able to travel north down the hallway as far as the women's restroom. Access will remain from the SE entrance to the lower level and the second level by stairwell and elevator. The older elevator on the north end of the Union will be temporarily closed.
    Tiger Cove continues to be available for free billiards, as well as access to the Center for Student Involvement and Cody Commons on the lower level. If you haven't checked it out yet, consider having breakfast or lunch at Mondo Sub's, the campus' newest dining option!
    There will be signage placed at all the appropriate locations to help people find their way. If confused, please contact me for clarification.

CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT AND CODY COMMONS OPEN! September 25, 2006
    Last week the lower level of the Memorial Union was cleared for partial occupancy. This means that the new Center For Student Involvement (CSI) and Cody Commons is now ready for use! The Student Government Association has completed their move to their new offices, and the University Activities Board is in the process of doing the same. Staff members Carol Brock, Chandra Daffer, Alan Zellner and Karen Pfeifer should also move from their temporary offices into the CSI very soon.
    The moving process should be completed in time for the Center for Student Involvement Open House, scheduled for Thursday, October 5 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm. Please stop by to see the new facility, meet the staff, and have some refreshments!
    Cody Commons is also cleared for occupancy. The furniture is in place, but there are a few things that await completion. The sound system, LCD TV monitors, LCD projector are in the process of installation. Also, Mondo's Subs, the food service operation in Cody Commons, will not open until Monday October 16. Mondo's Subs awaits inspection by the food service contractor, which will be followed by stocking and staff training.
    Cody Commons will be an exciting new place for campus programs and activities. It seats approximately 130 persons, and is furnished with stage, screen, LCD projector, and LCD TV monitors. In January, the stairway to Cody Commons from the 1st floor will be opened, and allow for access to the cyber center -- an area which will be furnished with up to 7 computers. Student groups and departments can now begin reserving Cody Commons for events through Lynne Pullmann, Union Reservations coordinator.
    Another area of the Union that has been renovated and will soon be available for use is Stouffer Lounge on the second floor. This room has received a floor-to-ceiling makeover, with new carpet, window coverings and furniture. Additional chairs have been ordered for this room and should arrive sometime this semester. Also, the southeast entrance to Memorial Union from the quad side is almost finished and will allow direct access to Tiger Cove, the first floor restrooms, and the new elevator and refurbished stairwell.
    The next phase of renovation will be to begin demo on the former Student Government Association office area and the Student Service Center area. As this begins, the northeast entrance will be closed. Also, the west entrance will only provide access to the Bookstore. The next Memorial Union Update will describe this phase in more detail.

CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT AND CODY COMMONS TO OPEN IN SEPTEMBER August 4, 2006
     If all goes well, the Center for Student Involvement and Cody Commons in the Memorial Union will be finished and ready for use soon after September 7th. Inspection is scheduled for that day, and as soon as we get the green light, we will begin to move furniture into the new spaces. Our target date is September 15 to have the University Activities Board and Student Government Association settled into their new offices. Also, a new food concept called Mondo's Subs should also be ready to open around September 15th.
     As a reminder, the University Book Store and Commerce Bank will remain open and accessible during the renovation, although certain entrances may be temporarily closed. We will have large signs indicating how to enter the building.
    Look for further announcements to confirm the actual date of opening. We appreciate everybody's patience as we continue with our very exciting renovation project! If you have any questions, please fee free to call our office.

UNION RENOVATION MOVING AT A FAST PACE! June 26, 2006
    Now that summer is here, the Union renovation has kicked into high gear. Anyone coming to the Union will see an incredible amount of change taking place. These changes include:

Removal of ceilings throughout the building.
Complete demolition of the food court and seating area on the main floor.
Power washing of the stone facade.
New roof.
Southeast entrance concrete work.
Installation of new mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Installation of new elevator.
New stone masonry inside and outside the facility.

    Steady progress is being made on the lower level. The new Center for Student Involvement and Cody Commons are on target to be completed and open this fall. Inside Cody Commons will be an exciting new food concept called Mondo Subs.
    Although the Memorial Union continues to remain open, no meetings or special events are being scheduled this summer in order to maximize the opportunity for construction to continue without delay. However, the University Bookstore, Student Service Center, Commerce Bank and the Memorial Union office continue to remain open for their normal summer hours.
    When the fall semester begins, the Union will once again be available for meetings and special events. However, the Trails Room and the Cavalry Room will not be available for use. Also, the Sunset Lounge will close and remain closed until the end of renovation. The Stouffer Lounge and State Room will be open, but will be without air conditioning. The Student Service Center will move during the fall semester to the Cavalry Room, and access to the University Bookstore will only be through the west entrance. We ask for your patience as we continue through the phases of renovation.
Finally, because of the Union renovation project, it is necessary to cancel the Madrigal Feaste, scheduled to occur this December, 2006. The condition of the building will make it impossible to provide the kind of atmosphere necessary to provide all guests with an enjoyable experience. The Madrigal Feaste will return in December, 2007. If you have any questions regarding the Memorial Union and the renovation process, please contact me.

MEMORIAL UNION ---- Making Good Things Happen!

SEE THE UNION RENOVATION THROUGH THE NEW VIEW WINDOW! March 28, 2006
   Progress continues at a good pace with the renovation of the Union, as you will see upon entering the Union. During spring break, a large opening was cut in the floor between the lower level and main floor near the food court area. After the renovation is complete, this opening will provide a visual connection between the two floors. For now, the opening is surrounded by temporary walls for safety reasons, but the south and west sides have window openings so you can see what's happening down below!
   The lower level continues to receive the most attention. The last of the concrete needed for the floor has been poured. Walls are being framed, providing separation for the Center of Student Involvement, Cody Commons and the Student Health Center. The ceilings are being filled with electrical conduit, sprinkler system pipes, plumbing, air ducts and everything else that is needed to support the infrastructure. The steps leading from the first floor to the lower level of Cody Commons will soon be installed. The Virtual College area of the bookstore has been moved from the south to the north ends to allow for room for the Student Health Center. Outside, concrete work continues to provide the foundation for the new atrium addition on the northwest side of the Union.
   Also, additional abatement of asbestos has taken place in the stairwells during spring break.
The furnishings committee has continued to meet with furniture representatives, look at samples, and make decisions regarding furnishings. Furniture samples continue to arrive for students and others to review. The Union continues to be open during the renovation, and all services such as food service, catering, meeting rooms, bookstore, ID card center, commerce bank and student service center continue to have normal hours through the end of the semester.
    Please stop by and see the good things that are happening in the Memorial Union!

COME ON IN, THE UNION'S FINE! Jan. 10, 2006
   During the winter break, the Memorial Union has had limited service to allow for maximum renovation progress. However, the Union returns to normal hours on Wednesday, January 11 with all services open. The University Bookstore, Union Station, Grab n Go, Student Service Center, Commerce Bank, Chartwells office, and the Union Admin offices are all open and ready to serve you. We appreciate your continued patronage.
   Visitors to the Memorial Union will immediately see some changes that have occurred in the last few weeks. In the Union Station seating area, the west end is now partitioned off with a wall. This will reduce the seating capacity, but we have added additional tables and chairs in Tiger Cove to accommodate everybody. Much of the ceiling has been removed on the first floor and replaced with temporary but very bright halogen lighting. The pool tables have been moved from Tiger Cove to Sunset Lounge, and will remain there until next year when the Tiger Cove renovation is completed. Work continues outside at the north and south ends of the building. On the north end, there are deep holes which have been dug for the foundation footings of the new atrium. On the west end, the concrete canopy has been removed. Much work continues in the lower level. From January 15 - 28, visitors can expect periodic noise and vibrations coming from the west end of the former Union Station seating area as a large hole is being cut to provide access for a new stairway.
   All entrances to Memorial Union are open except those within the fenced in construction zone, primarily on the west side of the building. Persons can enter from the west at two locations ---- the west door where the canopy was formerly located, and by following the sidewalk just north of the Union.

UNION RENOVATION TO BEGIN MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7
   Starting Monday, November 7 the Memorial Union will become a beehive of construction activity. Workers from Paul-Wertenberger Construction and Mac-Bestos, Inc. will begin to set up construction fences around the building, deliver construction trailers and materials, begin asbestos abatement, and start the long-awaited renovation of the Memorial Union.
   A number of parking spaces west of the Union will be dedicated for use by the construction company, so persons wanting to park near the Union may have to walk a bit further. A construction fence will also encircle parts of the building. Access to the loading dock and west entrance will continue to be available.
   The renovation work will first focus on the lower level of the Union. The lower level and the patio area in the northwest corner of the building will be demo’d (demolished) and the debris taken out through an opening to waiting dump trucks. Asbestos abatement will also be taking place in the lower level. Visitors to the Union will occasionally hear loud jack hammers vibrating throughout the building as concrete is being busted up for disposal.
   The Memorial Union will remain open during the renovation process, although certain areas will be closed that are actively under renovation.. At this time, all Union services and offices will remain open.
   We appreciate your patience during our renovation process.


... AND THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN!
   Work is proceeding slightly ahead of schedule with the Memorial Union renovation. The lower level is completely gutted, except for the area occupied by the University Bookstore. A significant amount of rubble was removed by a mini bulldozer through an opening on the north end of the building. There continues to be jackhammering and power chiseling as concrete is removed from the floor for sewer lines, and concrete pillars are cleaned up. The south patio is completed demo'ed and partially excavated. The canopy over the west entrance to Memorial Union will be coming down over the winter break.
   Starting December 16, the ceiling in the Union Station seating area will be coming down, as well as the ceiling in the Tiger Cove, 1st floor lobby and hallway up to the Bookstore. All of the furnishings in those areas will be stored temporarily in Sunset Lounge. After the winter break, the west portion of the Union Station seating area will be closed by a temporary wall. Behind that wall the floor will be cut to provide a stairwell that will connect the first floor to the lower level. The cutting of the floor will be noisy, but there is a good possibility that much of the work will occur at night when use of the building will be very light.
   The Memorial Union will be open during winter break, but services will be quite limited. The Union Station food court will reopen in January. Because of the reduced seating, we will add additional tables and chairs in Tiger Cove. Attached is a winter break schedule of when the Union and its component services will be open.