The Union Council reviewed proposals for the renovation of Memorial Union and approved the final furniture and decorum selections for the new south campus union at its meeting Thursday.
The former Union South officially closed in December 2008 and was demolished this spring. Union Council members are currently in the process of finalizing plans for the union's replacement.
Julie Grove, architect and project manager at UW Capital Planning and Development, unveiled the final furniture selections, colors and fabrics for every space within the new south campus union at the meeting. She said the choices reflected a set of core guidelines the council had established early in the process.
""We wanted to have an organic feeling, nature-based colors, well-constructed pieces and to explore the potential of some of the high-tech options,"" she said. ""We feel confident that we have gotten to where we wanted to be from a durability standpoint.""
Union Council members were pleased and voted to approve the plan.
Grove also updated the council on the planning process to renovate Memorial Union.
According to Grove, there is a request for proposal awaiting state approval that would seek a contractor to coordinate the restoration and renovation of Memorial Union. A request for proposal allows suppliers to submit their proposals for work on a project.
Grove said the historical character and unique charm of the building will make the project a challenge.
""We want to bring the building up to code and improve the functionality of the space, but we will be coordinating closely with the Wisconsin State Historical Society,"" she said.
Grove said Memorial Union and Terrace, completed in 1928 and one of the most recognizable locations at UW-Madison, was designed by renowned state architect Arthur Peabody.
The restoration's second phase will address the west theater wing of the union, modernizing its two theaters and improving access to its stages and loading facilities.
Grove said the historical nature of Memorial Union is an asset, but it also poses major logistical and safety problems. Asbestos was used extensively in its construction, which would need to be dealt with during any renovation.
According to Grove, over $1 million has been budgeted in the project for asbestos cleanup and removal.
