Wisconsin Union officials and students discussed plans Wednesday for upcoming major renovations, which could include the addition of a 300-seat film theater at Memorial Union and the demolition of Union South.
The renovations would take place in stages over a 12- to 14-year period, possibly starting during the 2007-'09 biennium, and would be funded by a variety of sources including alumni donations and student segregated fees, according to Wisconsin Union Director Mark Guthier.
Guthier said the Union currently hosts approximately 27,000 events and meetings each year between the two facilities. He added the Union must deny nearly 1,300 reservations yearly due to current space limitations.
Guthier said renovations would be done in such a way as to protect the historical significance of key areas.
\We hear very loud and clear that things like the Rathskeller are dear to people,"" Guthier said. ""[People say] 'don't ruin the Rathskeller, don't mess with the ceiling in Tripp Commons.' And, of course, that is something that we wouldn't think about doing.""
Aside from a 300-seat theater, other ideas for Memorial Union include a new Hoofer's area with public piers, new lounges and meeting rooms, additional student organization space, an underground activities and retail corridor, and a new 1,000-seat ballroom.
Guthier added these ideas are not yet concrete and students are encouraged to participate in the planning process.
""We don't want to send the message that decisions have already been made,"" Guthier said.
He also said a major priority was updating communications equipment in the facilities and making them more accessible to the disabled.
Addressing the concern of one forum participant, Guthier said the Union would not rename facilities for corporate donors.
Union South will undergo major renovations or be demolished and rebuilt, according to Guthier. Possible plans include an outdoor amphitheater, an additional lounge and an adjacent parking lot.
UW-Madison junior Benjamin Hawke, Wisconsin Union Directorate vice president of administration, said renovations are needed to better serve student groups.
""We plan on definitely keeping all of the students' organizations that are here now, and we hope to welcome more,"" he said.
Union President Mark Brockdorf said each phase of the plan must be approved by the Union Council Facilities Committee.
""If you're a student, you can be appointed to that committee,"" Brockdorf said.
Hawke added student participation would be critical to the process.
""We really want there to be a large student involvement in the planning of each of the phases and different aspects of the Union,"" Hawke said.
