After a semester of constant construction and major overhauls, several Student Union construction projects have been completed, but the popular Tiger Lair still remains unfinished.
The project’s estimated cost is $83.7 million, according to the Student Union’s website.
The comprehensive renovations include an additional 50,000 square feet and construction on two-thirds of the existing building, according to floor plans.
The original date for the opening of the Tiger Lair was early fall 2010, but that date has been pushed back significantly.
“The Tiger Lair is projected to open sometime in the spring semester. The project has been delayed due to contracts and the bidding process,” said Union director Shirley Plakidas.
Even though one major project is stymied, the Student Union has opened many new spaces, with more scheduled in the near future.
Major projects completed include the Union Theater, office spaces for student organizations and the Magnolia Room.
With the Tiger Lair still closed, food options in the Student Union were limited, until the Magnolia Room opened in fall of 2010, providing students with an “all-you-care-to-eat” restaurant.
The Magnolia Room boasts new lighting fixtures, carpet, skylights, walls and a full buffet-style kitchen servery, Plakidas said.
“The menu changes daily, but it usually has fried catfish on Fridays, which is always popular with students,” Plakidas said.
The Leisure Arts Studio is near completion, as it plans to open in January 2011, said Lynne Maxwell, assistant director of leisure and arts.
The new studio will provide students with ample opportunities to enjoy the arts, such as pottery, jewelry and painting, to name a few, according to Plakidas.
Maxwell said she hopes students will stop by because of the new location on the first floor.
The Union is expecting an upswing in the quantity of retailers, in addition to the restaurants, bookstore and bank.
The Union is planning to add Kaplan testing services, an optical store, a barbershop and mailing service via a private company, Plakidas said.
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, Plakidas said.
Some of the other renovations might not be as visible as others; the building has newly installed heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
 
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Contact Andrew Cavazos at [email protected]