If you haven’t made it past the food court in the Ohio Union lately, you might not recognize the place.
An interior renovation is nearing completion, and the entire building has been updated and refurbished. From the paint on the walls to the carpeting on the floors, the Union is replacing the teal and purple furniture with scarlet and gray seating.
“I want the Union to scream school pride,” said Tracy Stuck, director of Student Activities.
Beginning with the lower level, the decrepit bowling alley has been replaced by a brightly-lit study and lounge space as well as offices and meeting rooms.
A grant from the Coca-Cola Company has fueled much of the renewal project. The grant contributed about $20,000 to the renovation.
On the first floor, Woody’s also received a face-lift, and soon a permanent stage for live musical performances will be built. Woody’s also now offers a meal plan option.
The food court shuffle persists, as restaurants continue to replace one another. East to West Noodle is the newest addition.
The last piece of the puzzle is the opening of Villa Pizza, a new pizza place that looks to move in and continue the pizza tradition last held by Sbarro.
The most noticeable and important change is taking place on the second floor. An information desk has replaced the fruit smoothie stand to aid visitors in navigating the Union and the university. Two students now sit Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. waiting to answer any questions guests and students may have.
“The Union is working hard to reassert itself as the hub of activity on campus,” Stuck said.
Shawn Collier, who works behind the desk, said most of the questions asked at the desk are simple.
” ‘Where’s the bathroom?’ That’s about the extent of it,” Collier said. “Most people ask for directions to the ballrooms and conference rooms.”
Undergraduate Student Government is now located in the north wing of the second floor adjacent to the new office of the Inter-Student Council.
A small art display room boasts some artwork and photography by OSU students and is next to the new office of the Union. The Office of Student Activities is around the corner in the south wing and has expanded and been remodeled.
“The second floor is definitely the focus of the renovation,” Stuck said.
Yet, throughout the building constant improvements are in the works and on the voting agenda. Further plans include ridding the facility of asbestos and completing additional aesthetic improvements.
