Build the Future with a New South Campus Union

"Union South was designed as a 30-year structure and has come to the end of its useful life" –Alan Fish, Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities

The Initiative calls for a new south campus union.

Union South opened in 1971 to satisfy the immediate needs of the soaring UW population, which had surpassed 30,000. Unfortunately, typical of construction practices at the time, the building was designed as a temporary solution without consideration for future expansion.

Many of today's students feel that Union South is cold, sterile and uninviting - a stark contrast to the welcoming atmosphere at Memorial Union. The current structure is too small to meet the growing demand and costs of renovation would rival that of constructing a new facility. With this in mind, the Student Union Initiative seeks to create an enduring campus center with its own identity that will serve as a proper gateway to the UW's south campus area.

Plans for a new south campus union include:

• Build a 21st Century green building, UW-Madison's first LEED-rated Union in the UW-System adn the Big Ten
• Open up additional space at Memorial Union by moving some functions to a new Union South
• Create an urban center providing entertainment, recreation and food - including sports pub, coffee house and climbing wall
• Provide a true home for SOAR adding to positive first impressions for new students and their families
• Large events space for student dances, conferences, and more.
• Auditorium with 400-550 seats
• Multi-modal transportation hub, paid for separately by UW Transportation Services
• Lounge space with skyline view

Possible concepts for a south campus union. Get involved in the Design Committee.

Timeline

Phase 1
• New South Campus Union Construction
• Memorial Union Theater Wing Renovation
• 2008-20010

Phase 2
• Memorial Union Central Wing Renovation
• 2010-2012

Phase 3
• Memorial Union Commons Wing Renovation
• 2012-2014