Why is renovation and expansion of the Erb Memorial Union (EMU) necessary?
• The Erb Memorial Union was constructed in the 1950’s and expanded in the 1970’s. The 70’s section is inefficient from both a space use and a sustainability perspective.
• The facility lacks many of the amenities and attributes and student programming space found within modern student unions.
• Navigating the EMU is confusing; there is a lack of a logical layout of spaces and many student spaces are difficult to find and accessibility to all spaces is lacking.
• Systems and infrastructure are past their life span and deferred maintenance is estimated at $12 million
What are the key highlights of the EMU renovation/expansion project?
•Approximately 80,000 square feet of new space
•134,000 square feet of renovated space
•New covered and uncovered bicycle parking
•Improved outside spaces, landscaping and pedestrian circulation around the building
•Featured and expanded spaces for ASUO Multicultural Center and Student Unions
•ASUO Student Government suite; (currently projected at a 70% increase in student organization space)
•Expanded Student Sustainability Center
•Bike Center with do-it-yourself repair shop, bike loans, and classes
• 250-seat movie and multipurpose performance theater
• Student Program Resource Center sufficient to serve hundreds of student groups
• Smart building technology wired for modern performance and access
• Campus pub and expanded food service venues
• Expanded public spaces where students can study, enjoy concerts, see movies, and attend quality conferences
What is the total budget for construction of the EMU renovation/expansion project?
$95 million
How is this project being funded?
Private donations will contribute $5 million towards construction. The remaining cost will be funded by student fees including Student Building Fees and a new EMU facility fee, paid by students.
How much is the new facility fee for the EMU renovation/expansion project?
$67/term
When will the fee go into effect?
Fall 2014
Will my financial aid budget include the few facility fee?
Yes, student financial aid packages are based on a cost of attendance budget that includes all university tuition and fees, including the proposed EMU Facility Fee.
What is the timeline for this project?
The building design will be complete by May 2014 and construction will begin immediately following. Project completion is scheduled for May 2016 and be available for occupancy summer 2016.
When will the renovated/expanded EMU open?
Many portions of the EMU will be open through construction, though which portions are open will change as the project progresses. Project completion is scheduled for May 2016, and the entire renovated EMU will be open summer 2016.
Why are fees being collected before the project is completed?
Collection of the facility fee will be delayed until fall 2014. Beginning fall 2014 the project will incur substantial construction expense. Revenue from the fee is necessary to pay bond debt incurred to cover all construction costs.
Will the EMU be open during construction?
The exact plan for services during the renovation/expansion has yet to be determined, and won’t be until the “construction path” through the building is established during spring term 2014. The goal and priority is to provide current services at current or alternative locations as much as possible during construction. The project management team and key building stakeholders will work together to develop a transition plan that attempts to mitigate disruption to student programs, EMU programs, and services located in the building. The EMU Board, ASUO and program leaders will be consulted throughout the process.
What sustainability efforts are being considered in the EMU renovation/expansion project?
The project will strive to be a state-of-the-art model for sustainable design that will substantially reduce the energy footprint of the existing dated facilities. Prioritized energy reduction strategies are:
• Understanding our context: climate & typical energy use for our building
• Energy load reductions: passive systems, day-lighting, building envelope
• Right sizing & dual use: heat recovery
• Target key systems/reduce energy load: active mechanical solutions, user engagement
• Apply renewables
Are students involved in the planning/design process?
• Student representatives serve on the Project User Group for the EMU. Project user groups are constituent based representative groups designed to work with architects and building users to make design decisions.
• Student representatives serve on 22 different Subject Area Committees, working with the architects on designing specific areas (Multicultural Center and Student Unions, student office spaces and resource center, Womens’ Center, Student Media Center, Club Sports, Bike Center, Sustainability Center, meeting and multi-purpose rooms. Pub, theater, Holden Center, Computer Lab, etc).
• The ASUO has also appointed a Student Design Steering Committee comprised entirely of students to work directly with the User Group.
• The EMU Board meets with members of the User Group on a regular basis to provide suggestions and feedback.
• A variety of public town hall presentations, design displays, and targeted outreach has been conducted and will continue throughout the design and construction process.
• In November 2012 students approved an ASUO sponsored referendum in a special election supporting the EMU renovation and establishment of a new union fee not to exceed $69 per term.
Where can I find more information about the EMU Renovation/Expansion Project?
The Campus Planning and Real Estate department has information about the project on their website: http://pages.uoregon.edu/mbill/EMU/EMU.html
http://uoregon.orgsync.com/org/associatedstudentsofuo/EMU
Who can I contact if I have questions about the EMU Renovation/Expansion Project?
Wendy Polhemus, Interim Director
Erb Memorial Union
541-346-6063
Dan Geiger, Outdoor Program Coordinator
Erb Memorial Union
541-346-0636
Gregg Lobisser, Assistant Vice President for Capital Projects
Division of Student Affairs
541-346-1143
Martina Bill, Project Planner
Campus Planning and Real Estate
541-346-5593