Renovations, updates to Union expected to start, finish in 2012

By Beau Hayhoe | Originally Published: 10/13/11 9:23pm |Modified: 10/13/11 9:23pm | 1 comment

Shops on the Union’s first floor are set to relocate if about $2.25 million worth of construction progresses as expected in spring and summer of 2012, the project’s design representative said.

At the MSU Physical Plant’s monthly construction update meeting on Thursday, Jeff Kasdorf, an engineer and architect with the department, outlined changes that include the relocation of the Union Central Store and the building’s Biggby Coffee location to other areas on the first floor.

Kasdorf said construction is expected to start after the close of the academic year in May and finish before students return to campus.

After work finishes next year, the Union Central Store will replace the current Biggby Coffee location in the back corner of the first floor. The shop location will be expanded to provide more room for the store, Kasdorf said.

The coffee shop then will move to the current location of the U.S. Postal Service office outside the Union’s food court.

Kasdorf said options for the relocation of the post office still are being discussed, but plans could include the creation of an information desk and post office in the same area, a space yet to be determined.

The moves stem from a desire for a uniform appearance throughout the building. he said.

“(We are) trying to kind of create a more consistent facade,” Kasdorf said. “The difference is going to be dramatic.”

Cooper said the building hopes to continue to offer services to students during the construction phase of the project.

The Union will remain open throughout construction, but sections of the 86-year-old facility might shut down for construction at different times, said Kat Cooper, communication manager for Auxiliary Resources, the department that operates the building.

The building’s renovations previously were given an authorization to proceed vote by the Board of Trustees at its June meeting.

The last major exterior alterations to the facility were made in 1980, with several other outside additions taking place previously.

Inside the building’s food court, openings will be created between each of the counters of the three food venues to allow workers to pass between all three locations more easily, Kasdorf said.

A continuous ramp also will be created to connect the level above to the study lounge below, Kasdorf said. Currently, visitors must walk down a small set of stairs to access the study lounge from the area above.

Cooper said parts of the first floor have been in need of renovation since the 1990s.

“There are definitely things we can do to enhance this wonderful, historic building,” Cooper said. “When you look at Brody (Square) and you look at the Union, there’s some other things we can do.”

Spanish sophomore Theresa Benesh said the planned creation of a connecting ramp between the study lounge and the level above was the most appealing aspect of the renovation.

“I think it’s a good idea,” she said, “It (would) be good to have a bigger area to sit down in.”