The Erb Memorial Union is ready to open some of its new spaces and take on its role as the heart of student activity on campus.
After nearly three years of renovation and expansion, student organizations and university staff will begin moving into their new and renovated spaces in the building. The new student wing of the EMU will feature new spaces for many of the student unions as well as the Center for Student Involvement where students can get involved in a variety of campus activities.
The EMU renovation began Dec. 13, 2013, when the first wave of student organizations began their move to McArthur Court, which functioned as their temporary home. This Thursday will mark the beginning of their return to the new EMU.
The dining area features expanded venues including Starbucks, Chipotle, Joe’s Burgers, Subway and Panda Express. Townshend’s Tea, Red Wagon Creamery and Falling Sky Pizzeria and Public House will open closer to the official EMU grand opening in the fall.
UO Housing will be opening the Fresh Corner Market, which will serve healthy to-go items as well as dry goods, fruits and veggies. The Duck Store will also have a new satellite space within the EMU, featuring convenience food and drink items, Duck gear and class supplies.
“Food is an important element of building community,” said Daniel Geiger, assistant director of Retail Services for the EMU. “We are very pleased to offer a robust variety of menu options, as well as a balance of popular national chains and proven local vendors. There is something in the new EMU for every taste and time of day.”
More than 80,000 square feet of new space has been added to accommodate growth in the student population since the EMU was last expanded in the 1970s. The project expanded space for services, ASUO multicultural center and student unions and created a 250-seat multi-purpose and performance theater.
“It’s such an exciting time for the whole UO community as the new and improved EMU comes back on line,” said Robin Holmes, vice president for student life. “I am really looking forward to bringing the vibrancy of our students’ energy back to the heart of campus in these wonderful student spaces.”
The EMU renovation was completed on a budget of $95 million dollars, and careful use of contingency funds allowed a ballroom renovation to be included as well. The project has a $5 million dollar goal for private funding.
“We’ve really had some amazing generosity around this project,” said Laurie Woodward, director of the EMU. “From the student who sent us $20 from his first paycheck to a generous Duck who’s given us a million dollars, people have given to this project because of the lasting memories they’ve shared here.”
University memorial unions have traditionally functioned as the heart of activity on college campuses across the nation, hosting many of the events and traditions of their student bodies. They later took on a second meaning as they became a place for honoring students who joined the military.
On Monday, May 23, when the new section of the building opens, students from the Veteran’s Center have agreed to raise the flag and remind us what the “Memorial” in Erb Memorial Union is all about. The ceremony is set for 10 a.m.
That’s the day students and the campus community will be able to visit and explore the new EMU. The newest section of the building will be open and ready for use at that time, while renovation of the ballroom and areas within the older parts of the building will continue through the summer.
The EMU’s new website features more information on programs and offices in the new building as well as an interactive map to help guests find their way. The official EMU dedication ceremony and grand opening will take place Oct. 6 and 7.
—By Jesse Summers, Division of Student Life