News Release

Atwood renovation vote

Monday, November 14, 2011

Exterior-view drawing of a 300-seat theater proposed for Atwood Memorial Center. Students vote next week on a $15 million renovation plan. Drawings by Workshop Architects, Milwaukee.

Students vote this week on a proposed $15 million renovation of the university's student union, Atwood Memorial Center.

Student Government has approved a referendum question for a student-fee increase of $4.20 per credit, up to 12 credits per semester, for a remodeling project that would run from summer 2013 through December 2014.

Students will receive an email Nov. 14 containing a link to an electronic ballot. Voting stations will be available in Atwood, Wick Science Building and Garvey Commons. Voting runs 8 a.m. Nov. 14 through 3 p.m. Nov. 16.

Visit the Atwood Referendum website.

Major renovations would include:

• A large, glass-enclosed gathering space
• A 300-seat multi-use theater
• A multi-use space on the main floor
• A reception area south of the Ballroom

Renovations on the south end would create a two-stories tall gathering space with extensive exterior glass. A naturally lit, flexible-use space, it would be used for dining, speakers, performances and receptions. View an architect's drawing.

The theater would be located on the northwest corner of the building. It would be used as a cinema, fine-arts venue, lecture hall and student-practice space. View a drawing.

The main-floor space, which would be used for gathering, collaboration and organization work, would be made possible by relocating the building's central stairways. View a drawing. 

Moving the stairways would create a larger Ballroom reception area on the second floor.

The construction proposal also calls for infrastructure improvements, including major plumbing repairs on the lower level.

Visioning and listening sessions with students, faculty and staff -- organized by the student-led Predesign Committee -- informed the renovation plan.

A much larger 2010 Atwood renovation proposal failed 1,088 no votes to 623 yes votes.

Atwood's core was built in 1966. Additions were completed in 1972, 1992 and 2005.

<< Previous  |  Archive  |  Next >>