The Union is Getting a New Look

The UWM Student Union is starting construction this fall and early next year to achieve a fresh new look and update infrastructure.

The renovation of the Student Union as well as several other projects were approved by state’s building commission in December 2020. The $40.7 million dollar renovation is being funded by a borrowed $35 million in which the majority will be paid back with students’ segregated fees. For UWM, this makes sense as “student fees paid for the construction of the facility and pay most of the operating costs” making it more so student “owned” than any other building on campus. 

In fact, the Student Union has been a study area for students with loud home lives, a place to hang out and meet new friends, a sanctuary for those who find help in the university’s resource centers and much more. The union has been a social hub for generations of students, which is why the renovation of it has been such a long-awaited project for both past and present students alike.  

Originally opened in 1956, the union has undergone three different additions since its opening. It was expanded in 1963, 1972 and 1987, although there have not been any serious modifications in almost 40 years.  

The renovations have started, most notably with the Union Renovation Kickoff Event on November 30. The event occurred in the Union Concourse with puzzles, food, Lego keychain making and blueprint signing. Additionally, university union staff were invited to the ceremonial wall smash where they could put on a hard hat and smash a wall too.  

In an email to union staff, the Director of the Union, Richard Thomas said, “We are excited to formally begin this next phase of what the UWM Student Union will be and as the people who make the Union run on a daily basis, we want you there to help celebrate!” 

According to the UWM Union Renovation webpage, the building updates are necessary due to age and wear.  

“Parts of the building are out of style, some function poorly, and others have exceeded their expected ‘life.’” 

Due to this, the most important aspect of the renovation are improvements to the infrastructure. UWM plans to enhance the electrical and mechanical systems within the building as well as installing a new fire alarm system and sprinklers to improve building functionality. Structural reinforcements are to be added for the building’s columns and understructures. In addition, a new west entrance from Maryland Ave will be constructed. 

However, half of the renovations will be dedicated to interior aesthetics. For instance, the improvements will add more windows in the union concourse to bring in more natural, warm lighting to brighten the spaces. Other improvements will be purchasing and rearranging new furniture to increase style and comfort. It will also include easier passageways throughout the building to make student resources and services more accessible and easier to navigate.  

During this process, sections of the building may be closed due to construction and other areas may be moved to a different area in the union or campus. The union is expected to be closed during the summer of 2022.  

For more information, visit the UWM Renovation webpage.