A camera provides an aerial view of the west side of the Student Union construction and renovation site. Photo courtesy of MoreCampusLife.com
By Sarah Kyo, Public Affairs Assistant
Over the summer, there has been “a lot of coordination between the new and old systems” at the Student Union construction site, said Gloria Robertson, information / marketing manager of the Student Union.
Construction workers upgraded utilities, including plumbing. This resulted in the temporary closure of a pathway between the north side of the Student Union and Engineering Building during the summer. Robertson said the Student Union will provide updates if there are additional pathway closures during the fall semester.
Workers have also started preparing for the renovated building’s new foundation. There are towering pieces of construction equipment at the site called pile drivers, which drives piles into the ground for foundation support. Foundation excavation will begin shortly, Robertson said.
“We’re gonna be one building, but there will be an east side and a larger portion is on the west side,” Robertson said.
The east side, a former outdoor amphitheater across from the Art Building, will become an indoor theater and lecture hall that can seat about 300 people. Many current student services, such as Associated Students government, Cesar E. Chavez Community Action Center and the Print Shop will move to the Student Union after the renovation. New features include a convenience store and a 24-hour coffee house. The Student Union’s projected completion date is 2013.
“We’re very excited about it,” Robertson said. “We’re working hard to keep things going.”
You can follow along with the progress of the Student Union expansion and renovation by visiting MoreCampusLife.com and its Facebook page.