Joint Southeast Campus Area Committee discussed the renovation of major University of Wisconsin campus buildings including the SERF and Memorial Union in their meeting Monday.
Some buildings are going to be completely redesigned while others will undergo minor changes. Gary Brown, campus planning and landscape architecture director, said the chemistry building and Memorial Union have already begun work in some areas.
Memorial Union Terrace is set to open in May, Brown said. The rest of the Union’s construction should be completed by fall later this year.
“Memorial Union [construction] is moving forward quickly and we should be seeing exciting changes,” Brown said.
In terms of further campus construction projects, the chemistry building’s north lecture halls will be torn down to make room for additional facilities, Brown said. A new wing will be added and preparation for that has begun, he said.
The SERF will also undergo a total redevelopment, Brown said. Currently, Facilities Planning and Management officials are conducting a feasibility study to assess the best way to implement the redevelopment plan. Students can comment on the redesign in a forum April 19 at the Natatorium.
New amenities, including a two-story study lounge and new parking areas, will be constructed in Witte Hall. Brown said more green areas and pedestrian lighting will be developed around the towers as well.
The committee also discussed the 2015 Campus Master Plan. Brown said the plan looks to integrate the historic and urban parts of campus. The plan also aims to enhance pedestrian and bike paths, green spaces and parking provisions.
Campus Master Plan looks to expand research facilities, preserve natural beauty of campus
The next 2015 Campus Master Plan meeting will be held April 13.
