The University of Idaho Student Union Building will be remodeled starting in May and is expected to be completed in October 2013.
Amrah Canul | Argonaut
Juan Carlos Ortiz, left, Genaro Martinez and Irma Martinez study in the Student Union Building lounge. The lounge is set to be remodeled in May 2013 along with other improvements to the second floor of the SUB.
“When we remodel the second floor lounge we plan to enhance the space by putting in more floor jacks and have furnishings that allow for group and individual study and for plugging in electronic devices, but it will still serve as a lounge for the ballroom and other meeting rooms on that floor,” UI Assistant Vice Provost for Student Affairs Gregory A. Tatham said.
Tatham said all of the meeting rooms will be remodeled during this time. The plan is to combine the Chiefs Room and Silver and Gold rooms into one large space with portable walls that will allow it to still hold functions in three different rooms.
Cody Earl, ASUI Idaho Commons and Union Board chair, said the goal is to have seating for 200-250 people for formal dining, but able to be transformed into studying space for individuals or groups.
He said the men’s and women’s bathrooms will be remodeled to be larger and more modern.
Tatham said there are several different focus groups working on this project to ensure they are meeting the needs of the entire campus community.
“The groups included our primary group, which included the architects, myself and a couple of members of my staff and the project manager from Facilities Maintenance. It also included a focus group of students, a focus group of alumni, donors and administrators, another group of event organizers and audio/ video experts from campus, a group from food service that would be catering events in the area and discussed back of the house issues,” Tatham said. “We also had a group from Facilities Maintenance to discuss the impact of the remodel on current systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.”
Earl said the company contracted to complete the remodel said it is expected to cost about $1 million. He said they did not specify where the funds were coming from or how the remodel would affect usability of the SUB during construction.
“ICUB is excited to be able to represent the students’ needs and wishes for the second floor of the SUB and we hope to give input that will make the space more dedicated to student usage through studying and various functions,” Earl said.
Erin Roetker can be reached at arg-news.uidaho.edu