Union South gets it right

That's what the Isthmus had to say about the new Union South student center which opened this month.

Union South is now a warm, sophisticated, grown-up facility -- but it still has a sense of fun.
Isthmus, 4/21/11

The new building, located on the same site as the previous structure, includes many features and green building techniques, all within the project's guiding principle: "Preserving the past. Building the future." The project has been five years in the making, starting in 2006 when students voted to build the new and improved space which includes dining, recreation, event spaces, a hotel, and more.

The $94.8 million project, designed by Workshop Architects and Moody Nolan and constructed by CG Schmidt, includes 276,664 total sq. ft. Funding came from student fees, donor support, and Union operating revenue.

Doors opened at the new facility on April 15, 2011, accompanied by lots of buzz around campus, most notably surrounding the new tall union chairs. The A/V Club-Madison took a special advance tour and called it, "$95 million worth of fun."

The new building also has a new website. In addition to news and information, it also includes floor plans, newsletters and videos during construction, and other details. Check it out online, but better yet, check it out in person!