Building a New Union

The largest construction project in University history will culminate in a much anticipated new Union that is expected to open during the 2008-2009 academic year.

The new facility will provide an array of amenities designed to enhance the sense of community on campus, foster leadership development, promote opportunities for service and understanding cultural diversity, support the academic program and provide a variety of services to students.

There will be numerous places where members of the campus community can gather to interact with each other ranging from living room-style lounges to a central location for mail delivery, from a large dining room to a small café, and from areas for informal recreation to a large ballroom for lectures, dances and concerts.

The 202,000-square foot-building is part of a $74 million project that includes construction of the two-story facility in addition to expenditures for furnishings, kitchen equipment, development of supporting campus infrastructure, site preparation, professional fees and an endowment fund to support building operations. The project, which will centralize many student services now provided in several locations, is being funded by private gifts.

Design architect for the building is Sasaki Associates Inc., a Boston-based firm that is a leading designer of college facilities. Design Organization Inc. of Valparaiso, which has aided in the design of other campus facilities, is the architect of record. The Chicago office of M.A. Mortenson Co. is construction manager.