Wisconsin Union officials unveiled exterior designs for the new south campus union at a news conference Monday, and said changes to interior designs will be made within the next month.

The estimated $82 million project will replace the current Union South by the spring of 2011.

Union project managers recently conducted a web-based survey to gather input on the type of space students want to spend time. In the survey, students ranked potential designs for large spaces in the building.

Union Director Mark Guthier said union groups will look at the survey data within the next few weeks for feedback on interior spaces.

According to Union President Jeff Rolling, the new union will include a climbing wall, an entertainment center, a theater, a coffeehouse, a large event space, a student organization space and dining centers.

Guthier described each side of the new building’s features and accommodations. He said the north façade on Campus Drive will have a number of balconies and glass walls.

“It will keep this space active and people friendly,” he said.

Paul Broadhead, assistant director of the union, said the union made arrangements to expand current spaces on campus for university departments. He said once University Health Services moves into University Square in late 2008, student organizations may be able to use UHS’ current building on Breese Terrace for meeting space.

Guthier said landscape architects will redevelop the deck at the Wendt Library to be more esthetically pleasing and to accommodate outdoor performances.

Wendt Library will stay open for student use during Union South construction but according to Guthier, students may need to use different entrances.

Gameday Badger Bash will move to Engineering Mall for the two years the building is under construction.