Representatives from the Memorial Union Reinvestment Design Committee, the state Historical Society, Hoofers and the Union Theater met Thursday to discuss ways to preserve a historic atmosphere in the
renovated Memorial Union, set to begin construction this fall.
To achieve the desired atmosphere in the renovation, with construction set to begin in the fall, representatives selected their favorite photographs of various room models off which to base the newly designed rooms.
"We're not looking to drastically change the feel of anything," Wisconsin Union Doctorate President Katie Fischer said. "People have lots of ties [with the Union] and it's home for a lot of [them]."
Additionally, the committee discussed proposed changes to the "Sunset Lounge," an addition to the north of the Union Theater that will feature views of Lake Mendota. One of these modifications included changing the former circular shape of the lounge's rooftop deck to a rectangular one.
Student Project Manager Colin Plunkett said this will help the deck match the design of the union theater lobby.
In addition to changing the Sunset Deck's shape, the design team cut 1,200-square-feet from its original design, which Plunkett said saves more terrace space and it matched the students' preferences.
"[The new design] fits much better with the historic aspect of the building and it's nearly identical to what the students voted on in the 2006 referendum," Plunkett said.
According to Wisconsin Union Doctorate President Katie Fischer, the next step in the renovation process will be to choose finishes and colors for the different rooms.
