The Reitz Union expansion is still looking for student input.
The Cannon Design team, which is designing the renovation, came back to UF earlier this month to meet with campus departments and groups who frequently use the building.
UF student MaryLee Pollitt, an 18-year-old international studies freshman, said she thinks the Reitz Union needs to add a grocery store for students.
Kathy Keeter said student organizations need more space, especially for dance clubs.
“You’re constantly dodging people who are dancing throughout the Reitz because no one has a place to practice,” said the 21-year-old political science, Spanish and women’s studies senior.
Head designer of the Making it Reitz project Roland Lemke said the new extension will be open to students during demolition of the existing building, which starts in June.
Lemke said UF’s general contractor is aware he will have to work around students to minimize the noise impact of the construction.
“It won’t be completely quiet,” he said, “but the contractor will be courteous of the Reitz’s neighbors.”
Lemke said the contractor plans to work as much as possible in late afternoons and on weekends. The team of architects released a virtual tour on the Making it Reitz website in February to show the plans for renovation and expansion.
Nichole Campbell, assistant professor in UF’s Department of Interior Design, said the video shows the shell of the building has been designed but the interior hasn’t.
Lemke said the video was intended to keep students involved in the process.
Construction for the 100,000-square-foot expansion will start shortly after Summer A classes begin. The project as a whole is planned to be complete by June 2015, Lemke said.
The Orange & Brew restaurant will be torn down during Summer but will be redone with a new design by Fall.
During the construction, all facilities will stay open, Lemke said. Students will need to relocate to the new building in November 2014, when renovation to the existing building occurs.
“Students need to know the union will never close,” he said.
