The University Record, January 23, 1996
Renovations give a facelift to League, Union, NCC
The Michigan Union, Michigan League and North Campus Commons will be extensively renovated during the next two years, says Frank Cianciola, associate dean of students.
“We’re making a number of customer service changes,” Cianciola says. “We’re upgrading elevators and building access to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. We’re fixing the infrastructure and upgrading restrooms.”
Construction in the Michigan League began Oct. 30 with a restructuring of the coffee shop. The area will be known as the Underground and will serve as a student gathering place, with fast-food vendors and a seating area for 250 people.
Renovations also have begun on the League Hotel. Fixtures, plumbing, climate control, paint, carpeting, drapes and furniture will be upgraded or replaced. In the meantime, the hotel services desk will be relocated to the fourth floor.
During the next 18 months, League restrooms, meeting and banquet rooms, elevator, front desk and mechanical systems will be replaced.
“We have been communicating with the University community so these changes do not come as a complete surprise,” says Robert Yecke, director of the League. “Signs have been posted on site, and we have included in-depth information about the three renovations.”
Work on the Michigan Union began Jan. 8 as student organizations moved out of the fourth floor to make room for a complete overhaul of the area. The student organization area will be rearranged to house more offices, a resource center and conference rooms for student groups. In the interim, most student offices have been relocated to the Perry Building.
Renovations will continue with upgrades to the University Club dining room and kitchen; restrooms; lighting; meeting and banquet rooms; plumbing; and electricity receiving upgrades. Students from the School of Art have designed a mural and will execute it in the University Club beginning in late January. Most Union construction will be completed within 12 months.
The North Campus Commons represents the smallest portion of the University Unions renovation project. From May through August, conference rooms will be refurbished, restrooms will be changed to meet ADA requirements and a new fire prevention system will be installed. During this period, the cafeteria will be closed, but the food court will remain open.
