Together with our residence halls, the Erb Memorial Union (EMU) and Student Recreation Center (SRC) form a core group of facilities whose purposeful design should complement students’ classroom experience, by offering learning, leadership and recreational opportunities. A renovated and expanded EMU and SRC will allow us to better meet the needs of students, by providing the amount and type of space needed to support a student body of 24,000 students in the 21st century. When completed, these facilities will adequately support current demand, allow for expanded activity during evenings and weekends, activate the heart of campus and offer social, cultural and recreational opportunities years to come.

The Projects

The Erb Memorial Union

The EMU is a dated facility that requires a significant upgrade to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff, and the community. Improvements require a large portion of the EMU to be replaced and the remainder expanded/renovated. The result will be a new EMU that is approximately 20% larger and utilizes space more efficiently.

The new EMU will have an inviting, open atmosphere that retains the existing character and heritage of the original building. It will be accessible, technology rich, and environmentally sound. Significant space will be designed for student organizations and dedicated EMU/student program centers. Expanded lounges and new study spaces will be built. State of the art conference facilities, a performing arts hall, and a multipurpose theater will be added.

These renovations and additions, along with others, will transform the center of our campus community into a destination that enhances the student experience, supports the UO academic mission, and engages the community at large.

Student Recreation Center

The Student Recreation Center has suffered from an acute lack of space and has been unable to meet the growing and changing needs of students, faculty, and staff. With the pending renovation a number of major improvements will be made to the SRC that will include several exciting additions to the existing facility.

A new Aquatics Complex will include a 12 lane lap pool, leisure pool, and a whirlpool spa. A significant amount of additional of space will be dedicated to weight and cardio training, essentially doubling the current amount of fitness space available to users. A three-court gymnasium will be added providing more space for activities like basketball, pickleball and volleyball, to name a few.

The design of all new components will reflect the open and inviting atmosphere of the newer portions of the SRC.