Grand opening planned for expanded University Union
The expansion to the University Union on the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus has its official grand opening at 4 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 10).
Already, the newly expanded and remodeled areas have drawn rave reviews.
“What I’ve heard from students is they really love the extra open space we have now,” said Sue Keihn, dean of students. “It gives them more recreational space, as well as extra, and more visible, space for programming.”
The 20,000-square-foot addition, affecting two levels of the three-story building, allowed for The Phoenix Bookstore and the UW Credit Union to move into the Union from the David A. Cofrin Library. The Leona Cloud Commons—the main dining area on campus—was also expanded to increase seating capacity from 275 to 400.
A new main entrance, located across from Mary Ann Cofrin Hall, greets visitors with quick access to the Credit Union, bookstore and the relocated University Ticketing Services and Information Center.
The remodeling opened space for additional dining options. Selections now include the Ultimate Baja (Southwest style food) and Freshetta Pizza, in addition to a pasta bar, sub sandwiches, home style dinner entrées and salad bar.
Downstairs, a completely remodeled and updated Phoenix Club offers more seating space and entertainment options for students.
Student Life and Student Government Association offices were relocated to more accommodating offices, and the American Intercultural Center was moved to the Union from a space in the Cofrin Library. All three organizations are in areas with higher foot traffic and greater visibility.
The expansion started in March 2007 and was completed in time for the start of the 2008-09 academic year.
The project cost $6.2 million and was funded primarily with student fees. No state funding went into the University Union construction. About 21,000 square feet of space was remodeled.
Miron Construction and Eland Electric were the primary contractors. Kee Architecture in Madison designed the expansion.
The University Union, constructed originally in 1977 and expanded several times since, is now about 110,000 square feet.
What: University Union Grand Opening
When: 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10.
Where: Leona Cloud Commons, University Union, UW-Green Bay Campus, 2420 Nicolet Drive.
More: Events occur all day surrounding the University Union’s grand opening ceremonies. For a full schedule see: http://www.uwgb.edu/union/expansion/
