June 18–24, 2008, Number 497
Changes to Campus
During these summer months, while the majority of the students are away, Michigan Tech is undergoing construction projects to update two facilities. The major changes are being done to the Memorial Union Building (MUB) and Sherman Football field. This article is going to discuss the changes that are taking place to both of these areas and provide links for further information.
Earlier this Spring/Summer, construction began on the turf of Sherman Football field. The installation of a synthetic playing surface is being done by ProGrass. First they removed the original turf, updated the drainage system, and finally will install the new turf. Sherman field will join nine other Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference schools that also have artificial turf. For more information please see the Athletic page’s article on the construction. It is also possible to view the changes via webcam.
As mentioned above, the MUB is also undergoing construction, starting with phase 1. Phase 1 is the renovation of the ballroom’s interior, new dividers to separate ballroom, new coat rooms, and new bathrooms. The renovation is underway and should be completed by the time students return from the summer break. Phase 2 in this process will create a new South entrance into the MUB, which includes a three level glass entrance, more lighting into the Commons area, better traffic flow, and soft seating with a fireplace. The plans also include a new dropoff lane on West side of MUB, renovations to the Keweenaw Commons (an eating area with a food court for students), and student organization office renovation. These plans are in response to the fact that students have been paying money towards the MUB expansion fee for several years now and the funds allow the changes to be made. Overall the expansion and redesigning of the building should make it more user friendly and a lot more comfortable. For more information about the changes to the MUB, visit Undergraduate Student Government’s website for MUB Renovations. This website has drawing designs of what the MUB should look like when construction is completed.
If there are any questions or comments about this article, please direct them to my personal email address. As always, ideas for any future articles are welcome.
Until next week,
- Michigan Technological University
- 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1295
- 906-487-1885