Renovations to the Student Union are nearly complete, but the reopening of the Tiger Lair lags behind schedule. The setback of the Tiger Lair is the latest delay in the four-year project, which will cost about $54.6 million, according to the Union’s website.”The Tiger Lair should be finished sometime during the fall semester,” said Shirley Plakidas, Union director. Despite one project lagging, Union administrators say they were pleased with the construction that has been completed thus far.A milestone for the project team was the fourth floor offices built during the summer. The Union is now home to new organizations and offices including the Dean of Students, Student Advocacy & Accountability and Campus Life.At least 10 organizations are committed to the spaces, with at least 10 more spaces available to rent, Plakidas said.Delays can be blamed on the age of the building, Plakidas said. She said builders found unforeseen code issues with the building early in the construction project, as well as underground issues with foundation.Despite the delays, major accomplishments were reached, including the completion of the “whole north side”  during the summer, Plakidas said.There are now two “white box” locations on the southwest corner of the Union. A white box is an empty but complete space that retailers bid on to use as a retail location. Current companies in negotiations include Kaplan testing services and an optical store, Plakidas said.Plakidas said a new mailing company will occupy a space left by the United States Postal Service in about six weeks. The space was made available when USPS closed the Union Post Office.The Magnolia Room is also nearing completion, Plakidas said.The space surrounding the entrance of the Tiger Lair has been updated with a “coffee shop feel,” Plakidas said.The Tiger Lair will also feature a new lineup of restaurants, including CC’s Coffee, Papa John’s, Louisiana Classics, Quiznos, Salsarita’s, Jamba Juice, Chick-fil-A, Panda Express and Food to Geaux.
A major feat the Union administration accomplished was continuing services from the Union during construction, Plakidas said.”We learned to work with [the sound of] jackhammers,” Plakidas said.The 24-hour zone in the Union is currently closed. The zone will include tiered seating, plasma TVs, places to study and restaurants, and it is expected to reopen some time this semester, according to a Union information desk employee.Currently, the building closes at 11 p.m.The Union Theater is essentially completed and expecting occupancy in September, Plakidas said.”We’re very pleased with how fresh the building looks,” Plakidas said.The exterior of the building got a facelift with brand new outdoor furniture. The Union administration is planning to sod the Memorial Grove to create a serene garden setting, Plakidas said.____Contact Andrew Cavazos at [email protected]