You may have noticed signs around the Union with years on them – 1956, 1963, 1972 and 1987. Those years correspond with the 4 phases of the UWM Student Union and the year they were built (or added on to the building.) So the oldest part of the Union is currently over 60 years old and the youngest is 30 years old.

Well sort of, the Memorial Union at UW-Madison is the “grand-daddy” of all student unions across the UW System but it was completely renovated with two projects over the last 5 years. All the other 4 year schools in the UW System have built new student unions or done major renovations of their facilities over the last 15 years. In fact, the newest portion of our student union (the atrium area where the Grind is located) is older than all the other new or renovated student unions in the UW System.

As you might imagine, a building where some parts are over 60 years old is simply wearing out. In 2014, architects and engineers found over $34 million in urgent/emergency repairs will be needed in the short run just to keep operating the facility.

• They found failures (or anticipated problems) in plumbing and electrical systems.
• They described the heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems as inefficient and “beyond their useful life.”
• While built at the applicable codes in place at the time of the various phases, the building today no longer meets current ADA or fire safety codes.
• The current Union with minimal wall/roof insulation and single pane windows is not energy efficient.

Addressing any/all of these issues would be just about maintaining the status quo and would not significantly improve the amenities or atmosphere of the building that students experience every day.

A project goal is that the Union Parking Garage will continue operations during the construction.

It is hoped the building would have:

• comfortable spaces for students to hang out (filled with natural light)
• improved meeting and event spaces with up-to-date technology
• collaborative space to bring students together
• improved restaurants and food options
• more natural way finding (less like a maze)
• improved energy efficiency and sustainable/green building features

Any project will address the major maintenance and code issues that exist in the current building. Students will likely see a building that appears mostly new, even though portions may be renovated rather than built new. If the renovation referendum is passed, many of the questions will be answered when we engage with an architect and work collaboratively with students.

Will they relocate temporarily? Some things you are used to having in the Union may go away for a time. Some services/offices may have to temporarily relocate elsewhere on campus. All core services will be maintained, even if they are relocated.

In each planning process that looked at the Student Union – 2008, 2011/2012 and 2014 – students expressed a strong desire to have their student union be more “green” and sustainable. UWM will seek the highest sustainability rating (LEED) that is reasonable for the project budget.

In reality, the current Student Union is not very “historic”. It doesn’t have the historic character of a place like Madison’s Memorial Union. Many people describe the building as cold and ugly. That said, for over 60 years, the UWM Student Union has been part of the history of UWM. In any building project, we will seek to honor the history that has happened on this spot while building for the future.

The most recent planning study recommended a building approximately the same size as the current facility – over 300,00 square feet. It was projected that the building would be more “space efficient” allowing for more usable space than the current building.

Student Fees are proposed to increase no more than $124 per semester to fund this project. The fees would be phased in gradually over 5 years beginning as early as Fall 2019 if the project moves forward. Depending on the final project costs, it is hoped this fee increase may be less than this amount.

Yes, in 2015, the Student Association supported the creation of a “Capital Project Fee” that stands at $75 per semester today. The purpose of this fee was/is to collect monies to go towards a Student Union Building Project OR to pay for the required/emergency repairs and maintenance which will keep the facility safe and open over the coming decade. If no major building project occurs, it is likely that fee will need to be increased in order to fund additional repairs and improvements beyond the next ten years. In 2014 engineers and architects identified over $34 million in urgent/emergency repairs and maintenance needed for the Student Union over the coming years.

While a final project budget is not known until the design in completed and bids are solicited for construction, it is estimated that it may cost as much as $129 million. This is a really big number but the Student Union is a really big building that serves 22,000 people per day. The whole building needs attention in a project not just a part of it.

If the project is ultimately approved as part of the State Budget, the State will issue bonds which we will repay with the funds you (and future students) pay through this fee. It is a lot like a mortgage/loan your family may take out to buy a house or car.

All UWM Students not graduating in December, 2017 will be required to vote.

Beginning November 6, the referendum will appear as a “to-do” list item on PAWS. You can then vote early (and clear the “hold” you’ll have) or at the time you are eligible to register for Spring 2018 classes. You will not be able to register until you vote in the referendum. You may abstain from voting if you don’t want your opinion to be counted in the referendum.