Project targets ballroom, French Lounge and west porch

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

A New Era for Student Union Treasures

As the Student Union Renovation project winds down, the Student Union is bringing new life to three of its most popular areas with the refurbishment of the Student Union Ballroom, French Lounge and west porch. Construction is planned to begin this week and supports the ongoing initiative to maintain the history and tradition associated with the Union.

“The Ballroom was the center of student life when the Union was first built and continues to be an important gathering place for students,” said Mitch Kilcrease, Student Union director and assistant vice president of student affairs. “We want to preserve its historical significance while giving it a much needed face lift to better serve the OSU campus.”

The Ballroom project includes an all-new AV system with updated technology and sound system. The flooring will be replaced with a newer white maple wood to simulate the original flooring. All finishes will remain true to the Ballroom’s history. New tables and seating also are included in the project’s scope.

This phase of the renovation also includes refurbishing the second floor French Lounge and restoring the iconic West Porch. Every aspect of the West Porch renovation will remain true to the original building, right down to the balusters, which were incorrectly installed upside down more than 60 years ago. 

The Union is not just a building; it is where students, faculty and staff have come together outside the classroom for decades to build the OSU community. Each aspect of the renovation project is designed to enhance the college experience for students and to be a place OSU alumni still call home. This new phase will continue into the fall semester and will limit pedestrian traffic on the west side of the second floor.

The official exterior groundbreaking for the Student Union Renovation Project took place in January 2010. The $65 million dollar project brings many upgrades to an already iconic building, including improved retail and dining spaces as well as a more visible Campus Life area. For more information about the Student Union, visit its website at union.okstate.edu. You also can follow the progress on Facebook at facebook.com/osuunionproject or Twitter at twitter.com/osuunion.