A pair of summer construction projects addressing renovations, equipment upgrades and deferred maintenance items at the University Memorial Center will help ensure the building remains a vibrant hub of activity for the campus community for decades to come.
The projects—equipment and mechanical upgrades for the dining operations and renovation of the south terrace—will impact food service and pedestrian flow around the building beginning May 10.
The dining operations project includes installation of a new grease interceptor, a new bakery cooler/freezer, a new dishwasher and new bakery flooring, in addition to various mechanical and HVAC upgrades that will continue to ensure safe and efficient food service in the UMC dining facilities.
The south terrace renovations, meanwhile, will help create a more welcoming and accessible entrance to the building while also completing necessary maintenance and upgrades to a space that doubles as the roof of The Connection. This includes improving ADA access to all of the south-facing building entrances on the terrace and installing new roofing materials beneath a new bed of paver stones. Existing pavers will be removed and donated to Habitat for Humanity.
The work requires that most food service be closed starting May 10, including the Alferd Packer Grill, Celestial Seasons Teahouse, Jamba Juice, Panda Express and Subway. Starbucks will remain open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 10, then close for the duration of the renovations.
Staging areas and construction fencing will begin going up May 13, and the UMC entrances from the south terrace will close on May 18.
The current timeline calls for the south terrace and food service to re-open in August in time for the beginning of the fall semester.
Campus community members and visitors accessing the UMC during the construction can do so via the northwest and northeast entrances, both of which are ADA accessible.
During the construction, The Connection will provide some limited food service. Other nearby dining options both on- and off-campus will also be available.
Complete information about summer construction at the UMC can be found on the UMC website.