As construction crews begin to remove fencing this fall from the Michigan Union and LSA renovation projects, pedestrians will see site enhancements that improve accessibility and connectivity.
A new sidewalk, which complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, is open along the north edge of Kennedy Drive, between Thompson Street and the circle drop-off near the Union and LSA, allowing easier access to and from the Thompson Street Parking Structure.
The Union’s newly renovated north plaza, which faces LSA, will be open in mid-November when fencing between the Union and LSA begins to come down.
The plaza’s reconfigured lawn space with new plantings, benches, tables and bike hoops to support more than 50 bikes will help restore pedestrian connections from Thompson Street to South State Street and between the Union and LSA.
At the same time, the iconic Cube sculpture’s sabbatical will come to an end when Regents’ Plaza reopens. Detectable hazard-warning strips are being installed around its base to improve safety for individuals who are blind or have low vision.
The Union is undergoing its most extensive renovation since it opened in 1919. The project will create social space on the main level by enclosing the courtyard, and expand and improve lounge and study spaces.
The LSA renovation will revitalize approximately 24,000 square feet on the first floor, and includes an addition of approximately 21,000 square feet.
Remaining fencing surrounding the project sites will continue to be removed in December and both buildings are scheduled to reopen in early 2020.
