Changes underway at Memorial Union

The Memorial Union underwent many physical changes over summer vacation, including the closing of The Hornet’s Nest and the opening of Hornet Express where The Nectar once was. These changes were made in hopes of creating efficiency in the union and providing the opportunity for further renovations in the future.

“We acknowledge that the union can be a maze when it comes to way finding, and that the cafeteria is a very non-appealing, non-functioning space,” said Dave Hendricks, director of Memorial Union. “These are just a few of the areas of the building that need attention.”

It was this initial acknowledgement that began the processing of mapping out changes for the union. The Hornet’s Nest dining area had been suffering an annual decline in sales. This decline, combined with the planning committee’s desire to serve food to students on only two levels of the Union rather than three, prompted the closing of the Hornet’s Nest.

The staff of the Union joined forces with Sodexho, Emporia State’s food provider, to create a new, more inviting dining area for students on the main floor of the Union, which would be called the Hornet Express.

The concept of Hornet Express was first presented to the vice president for strategic partnerships and student life, James Williams. Once Williams approved the idea, it was approved by the Union Board of Directors and finally President Lane.

Once the project was approved by President Lane, the construction of the Hornet Express began. The construction was funded by the Memorial Union operating budget, which is a culmination of annually collected money meant to be used toward the improvement of the union.

The construction of the Hornet Express only fueled the Union Council’s desire to complete more changes throughout the Union. A proposal sent to President Lane outlined 14 changes for the Union.

“We cited 14 desired outcomes of which three are the driving force of the project- replace existing infrastructure, create a more open floor plan and remodel the current cafeteria space to make it more inviting and functional,” Hendricks said.

The Union has now hired Treanor Architects, a company based in Lawrence, to help carry out these plans. The group of architects will create a total renovation plan for the union, which will feature a complete revamping of the existing building as well as constructing east and west side additions.

A renovation committee has been created due to the likelihood of numerous changes to the Union occurring in the near future. The committee includes university administrators, faculty, community members and students. Many students on campus who are not involved in the renovations committee have strong feelings about the changes being made to the union.

“I think it’s a good decision to make the Union simpler for new students,” said Rachel Deckard, junior business administration major. “However, I think it’s going to confuse students who are already used to the Union. I also think that there are many other buildings on campus that need updating much more than the Union, like the dorms.”

The staff and faculty of ESU also have strong opinions concerning the foreseen changes.

“I’m excited about the changes,” said Shanda Hendricks, employee of the union. “It’s always nice to have a change. An updated, more accessible Union will be nice for the students.”

Because of the strong opinions of both staff and students, their input will be considered during the renovations. Besides the committee, the architects will be taking feedback concerning their designs in the form of charettes, or focus groups. These charettes will consist of students, faculty, staff and community groups. It is highly encouraged that students become a part of the renovation process because their opinions will be valued.

“The architects will be on campus this fall and I would like to encourage everyone, especially students, to get involved with this process,” Hendricks said. “To be able to have input on a project [of] this magnitude…could be a once in a lifetime opportunity.”