Union sporting new features as it moves into final phase of renovation

The ongoing renovation of the UWM Student Union moved into its next stage of construction at the start of spring semester while debuting new features for students and staff to enjoy.

Student resources – including the University Legal Clinic, Neighborhood Housing, MAVRC (including MEBO & Vet Success), LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Women’s Resource Center, Inclusive Excellence Center and Student Union Involvement – are moving back into their offices.

The new Union Art Gallery, street level inclusive bathrooms and the West End Commons — previously the Union Terrace — are still under construction.

Maintenance and updating work to the building’s infrastructure (the heating and air systems) finished at the end of the Fall 2022 semester. Now, construction crews can focus on opening pathways and increasing directional signage to make the space easier for students to navigate.

“It has been wonderfully challenging and rewarding for us to see things come forward and believing we are creating a very positive atmosphere for our students,” said Brandon James, associate director for Union Marketing. “That was a challenge to do previously with the architecture that existed.”

Welcome changes

The interior and exterior renovations – which include updating the front entryway with large windows to let in natural light — are welcome changes, according to Mike Schmit, interim director of the Student Union.

While working on the new building layout, the designers focused on creating a welcoming and engaging space for Panthers to connect with their peers. The goal was to create a space that helps students succeed and thrive. This is done through creating more natural light, lounge spaces to hang out and open areas, Schmit said.

“We’re encouraging people to be together,” Schmit said. “This is a place for students to gather, feel at home and connect with each other much more than we were able to do with our physical infrastructure previously.”

Providing variety

Students have varying definitions of what makes a comfortable space. Some people like to be settled in a bustling area, surrounded by noise, while others prefer quiet corners. The solution: variety.

“You’ve got all this diversity of what people want,” James said. “When you look at a project like this and what makes it welcoming, you have to create diverse spaces for students — they are the ones who shape the space.”

The new concourse space will contain many windows to brighten the space with natural light.

Also, on the south end of the union, a floor up from the main entrance, students are now able to study and hang out in what James describes as an overlook-computer lab hybrid. People can enjoy a scenic view of Kenwood Blvd. and the other floors of the building while charging electronics there.

Throughout the semester, new lounge spaces will be set up around the building. Schmit looks forward to having students use the new furniture. He and the design crew selected a variety of loungers to meet the varying comfort needs of the UWM community.

‘Excited to have renovations’

The two-year, $40.5 million renovation project is the first major renovation of the union since it was expanded 35 years ago.

Lilia Tregoning, a second year nutritional sciences major, is excited to explore and use the new additions to the Student Union. She hopes to find new go-to spots to study her coursework.

“I’m looking forward to having a lot of windows and potentially finding some better study spots,” Tregoning said. “As we all know, the old union was pretty outdated, and I am excited to have renovations.”

James and Schmit understand that the ongoing constructions can be inconvenient.

“The level of patience we’ve seen from everyone is greatly appreciated,” Schmit said. “I think there’s an understanding that students are seeing the early phases of benefit. We’re so thankful for that.”

They ask everyone to continue trusting the renovation process and be patient a while longer — construction is scheduled to be finished by the beginning of the Fall 2023 term.

Until then, James encourages students to be curious and explore the union.

“Stay curious,” James said. “Poke your head into offices and ask questions. Get to know the space because it was designed for you.”

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