UWM is getting a new look. Construction is starting this fall and early next year on a number of long-anticipated projects that will refresh and upgrade the university\u2019s main campus.<\/p>\n
The project perhaps most visible to students is the $40.7 million renovation of the UWM Student Union. The building normally gets around 20,000 visitors a day during the academic year, with many, especially commuter students, using it as a place to hang out, eat and study between classes.<\/p>\n
The 350,000-square-foot building was mostly built in the 1950s, \u201960s and \u201970s. The theme of the work is \u201crespecting, restoring and refreshing\u201d the building, according to Carli Cole, project manager and associate vice president for HGA, the architect.<\/p>\n
The plan, she added, \u201creally focuses in on respecting the original architecture, restoring the interior and exterior to what it used to be, and refreshing the interior spaces.\u201d<\/p>\n
The renovations are scheduled to start this fall and be completed in 2023, according to J.H. Findorff and Sons Construction, which will be doing the work. Much of the focus will be on upgrading the building\u2019s mechanical, electrical and alarm systems and restoring and cleaning the exterior. As part of the exterior improvements, contractors will be replacing the canopy at the entrance on Kenwood Avenue. A new west entry off Maryland Avenue will also be created.<\/p>\n
In addition, about 50% of the project will involve interior upgrades. Those improvements will add windows and open up the concourse inside to bring in more natural light. The renovation will also create easier-to-navigate passageways throughout\u00a0the building. These interior improvements will include lighting, audiovisual technology upgrades and new furniture in many of the union spaces.<\/p>\n
The architects wanted to bring in more daylight by opening up the fa\u00e7ade, as well as refreshing the furniture and finishes, and to \u201cbring a bold sense of Panther pride to the building itself,\u201d Cole said.<\/p>\n
Improvements are also planned for the \u201cpenthouse,\u201d a large mechanical room at the highest level of the building that now houses mechanical systems and air handling equipment. Structural reinforcements are planned for the building\u2019s foundations and columns.<\/p>\n
The Student Union will remain open at all times during the academic year throughout the renovation. As the project progresses, some areas will be closed to the public as they are being renovated. Detailed plans for \u201cwhat happens when\u201d are still being finalized.<\/p>\n
A number of areas, including the Union Art Gallery,\u00a0 will be temporarily moving because of the construction.<\/p>\n
Other major upcoming construction projects include:<\/p>\n
This 16,000-square-foot addition to the Klotsche Center & Pavilion will be used primarily by the Panthers men\u2019s and women\u2019s basketball teams.<\/p>\n
The new facility will feature a full-size basketball court with the same design as the game courts, a basketball strength and conditioning center, video room, auxiliary sports medicine and treatment center, and basketball student-athlete lounge. A Panther Athletics Hall of History will also be included in the facility.<\/p>\n
HGA Architects & Engineers designed the facility. A groundbreaking was held Aug. 25, and the addition is expected to be finished in fall 2022.<\/p>\n