Ceremony celebrates Memorial Union groundbreaking
With a backdrop of sailboats and the UW Alumni Band playing “On, Wisconsin,” the campus community celebrated the Memorial Union Reinvestment Project at a groundbreaking ceremony Monday, Aug. 27. Construction began in July but the timing allowed students to join in the festivities at Union Theater Plaza that marked the first major overhaul of the beloved union since its construction in 1928.
Interim Chancellor David Ward recalled arriving at UW–Madison 52 years ago as a student, and how integral the Union has been as part of the UW experience. Ward spoke about the strong bonds the Union has created with faculty, staff and students.
“This is an anchor point of the campus,” Ward said. “It’s a very special place.”
The first phase of the MUR project focuses on the west wing of the building with a projected completion date of June 2014. It addresses the accessibility needs of the wing by removing some of the level changes and adding various ramps, lifts and elevators. Phase I will also enhance the program needs of building users, most notably Hoofers, the Union Theater and the Union Craftshop. It will also update the west wing’s infrastructure by addressing the aging HVAC system, plumbing and lighting. Phase I is expected to be completed in summer 2014.
“The Union has served as the heart and soul of the UW campus for more than 80 years,” said union director Mark Guthier. “Very few people graduate from UW without at least one memory of Memorial Union.”
Many in attendance shared their own union memories while enjoying Babcock ice cream, of course.
Phase II focuses on the central core and commons wing. Details will be forthcoming.
Throughout construction, the union will remain open. Fencing will go up Tuesday, Sept. 4 around the Union Theater and Hoofers facilities.
“Preserving the Past. Building the Future” is the theme for the project, which will restore the historic building while adding modern technology and improving infrastructure using the latest “green” standards promoting sustainability and energy efficiency while improving accessibility for all.
More than 13,000 students, faculty, staff, union members and other stakeholders have contributed to the Memorial Union Reinvestment design process by answering surveys and polls, serving in task groups and committees or attending open forums.
No tax dollars were used to build the new Union South or renovate Memorial Union. The building will continue to be funded via student segregated fees, operating revenue and donations.