Plans for new UC on track

Plans for a redesign of the University Center are on track to be finished by May 2015, according to the timeline on the New UC website.

Several steps must be taken before ground is to be broken in May of 2011, including approval of the plans, first by the facilities, construction and master planning committee of the Board of Regents, followed by the board itself and finally the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

“The consideration for approval is set for August,” UC 2010 Initiative Co-Chair Nicole Sopko said. “With support from the administration, we look forward (with) hopes of approval in August.”

Once plans are approved, professional design and construction teams will be solicited. During this step, Sopko expects to lock down an architect and design team who will carry them through the rest of the planning.

Students are anticipating the new modifications for the project they voted on.

“When students voted in the process that took place in Fall 2008, they voted for a fully transformed UC,” Sopko said. “The plan is to create an addition and enable that to be used as swing space. It will also allow for a more ADA-friendly UC Satellite.”

Both the directors and the design team will work together to give the UC its new look.

The grand opening of the UC addition is scheduled for a March 2012 unveiling. The renovated UC, which will be named the New University Center Complex, is scheduled for completion May 2015.

Steps in the renovation process are on a month-by-month basis but are seen as necessary by Sopko, who stands behind the extensive project.

“Our current facility was built 43 years ago, for the needs of approximately 17,000 students,” she said. “Students deserve a building that suits (everyone) attending our first-class institution (and) meets each and every aspect of their educational and individual needs.”