While students were away during winter break, the first phase of the Memorial Union Reinvestment Project continued to make progress as the Board of Regents and State Building Commission unanimously approved the project.

The Memorial Union Reinvestment Project consists of two separate phases in order to keep the union open during the renovation period. Phase I of the project includes construction of the west wing of the building, the theater area and the fifth floor.

With the approval of the project, members of the design team met with the Wisconsin State Historical Society and the Campus Design Review Board in order to review design plans. Student project manager ColinPlunkett said the Wisconsin Historical Society was pleased with the collaboration.

Plunkett stressed the importance of working with the Historical Society in order to preserve the history of the building.

“It’s important to get input on how to keep the building’s historic nature,” he said.

Plunkett also said Boldt Construction will act as construction manager for the reinvestment project. He added that Boldt has completed many other building projects for UW in the past.

Also over break, a large oak tree was removed to the east of the theater wing. According to Plunkett, the tree removal was necessary in order to further expand the building.

“The building is in desperate need of more space for student programming,” Plunkett said. “The logical explanation is to expand underneath the terrace.”

Plunkett also said the tree was in poor condition, and its deterioration may have caused future health concerns if not removed.

As far as overall progress, Plunkett said he was extremely happy with the status of the project and believes it to be right on schedule, citing input gathered from students and the community as one reason for its success.

Echoing her colleague, project coordinator Jacklyn John said she thinks those involved are excited with where the project is going. She also said the project has received very little negative feedback thus far.

“People on the board were very positive about the progress of the design,” John said.

John said the project will move indoors for the spring as the focus shifts to interior design. She added the project may be a little more challenging than designing the Union South building because historical spaces must be maintained.

John said student input and reactions remain extremely important to the project, and students can expect to receive surveys sometime this spring as well as hear about more committee meetings to attend. She said students are also encouraged to visit the new Memorial Union Reinvestment Project website to view updates and email input and opinions to involved members.

Phase I of the reinvestment project is scheduled to begin August 2012 and will continue into 2014.

Correction: In the Jan. 25 issue of The Badger Herald, an outdated rendering of the proposed renovation was printed. The Herald has removed the rendering and regrets the error.