By: Katy Kelly
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – An integral building at the University of Arkansas will undergo two large construction projects later this month. The Arkansas Union will have extensive renovations to enhance the student experience and maximize its space’s functionality.
Those reconstructing the spaces aim to create more open, welcoming, and navigable areas. The project will transform key floors within the Arkansas Union, offering students a new and improved environment for learning, collaboration, and opportunities.
Arkansas Union Director Rob Stagni said the construction project intends to offer more opportunities for the students on campus.
“It’s all about student success! Having spaces where students can gather, learn, plan, and work together has long been part of our central purpose in the Arkansas Union,” Stagni said.
One of the focal points of the renovation project is the Multicultural Center located on the 4th floor of the Arkansas Union. The construction plans for this space include having a more open space for the Multicultural Center and making it feel more unified with a larger kitchen.
Additionally, there will be an improvement in the design of the meeting room spaces, and the flooring and fixtures will be updated. Stagni said these upgrades will create a more cohesive and functional environment for all students to enjoy.
In the meantime, the Multicultural Center will be relocated to Garland Avenue near the Arkansas Bookstore. Despite the relocation, the Multicultural Center still plans to host events during the school year.
Not only will there be updates made on the Multicultural Center, but the A6 floor will also undergo major renovations. The renovation aims to address issues regarding the current layout, which many have claimed to be confusing. To combat the confusion, Stagni said the reconstruction hopes to introduce an easy-to-navigate floor plan that will be more bright and open.
The redesigned space will feature lounge areas, dedicated student gathering spots, increased meeting room capacity, and a centralized greeting area. These changes are expected to transform the confusing nature of the A6 floor to foster more connections among students and student programs.
Stagni said the ultimate goal of the two projects is to increase student connection and individual growth.
“Giving the Multicultural Center the needed space to engage with the campus will bring more people into their activities and opportunities. Making the Student Affairs suite a “destination” for students will help better connect people with opportunities to impact the campus and grow themselves,” Stagni said.
The timeline for the construction of the project, provided by the contractor, is going to begin this month. It is expected that all of the construction will be completed by the end of 2024. This project’s timeline intends to ensure that by 2025 students will be able to enjoy the renovated space for the upcoming academic year.
Stagni said they are looking forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on students and their futures.
“Being able to do this while creating bright, attractive, modern spaces will have a lasting impact for the next UARK class and beyond,” Stagni said.