The success of this project was due to comprehensive project planning with the client. Complex issues of programming, adjacencies, expansion of an existing building, fire/life/safety, seismic upgrade and early occupancies of selected portions of the project were only a few of the project challenges, requiring sophisticated planning. Since the University required the existing facility to remain open during construction of the expansion project, it was necessary to design phasing for the construction and for temporary rated partition systems, enabling safe exiting and for concurrent occupancy.
The expansion of the existing University Union provides a diverse program of expanded servicesfor the students. Phase I of this project expanded the existing University Union. Work included a dining and seating area in the lobby, reading rooms and meeting rooms. Phase II remodeled the existing Union and added an additional of 120,000 square feet. This addition included a new main lobby, meeting rooms, hair salon, sports video dining, food service, retail spaces, student radio studio, a fixed-seat theatre, grand ballroom, art exhibit room, multi-purpose room, offices and storage areas.
