An Official Employee Publication From the Office of University Relations

Expanded office space for student organizations, a late-night lounge and an updated Jaybowl are several of the features to be added and improved as part of the Kansas Union Phase III Renovation.

KU architects are currently accepting bids from contractors for the $5.8 million job, and construction should begin this summer. The anticipated completion date for the renovation is fall 2002.

David Johnston, marketing coordinator for the KU Memorial Unions, said the renovation would double the space devoted to the student organizations offices.

The renovation also will improve space devoted to entertainment. A late-night lounge will be added, adjacent to the Jaybowl, which will provide food service and a space for acoustic performances.

“It will become a nice space for parties,” Johnston said. “It will be connected to the Jaybowl, but will also be a separate room.” The new spot will be called the Hawk’s Nest.

Johnston said the Jaybowl will close this fall in order for its equipment to be modernized, and will remain closed for part or all of next year, depending on the contractor’s schedule.

Another area that will close for the renovation is the main stairway. A new glass-enclosed stair tower will be constructed to join all levels of the union.

Pat Beard, building services director, said the centrally located stair tower would make it easier for people to find their way around the union, while adding an attractive feature to the building. However, closing the existing stairway will be one of the biggest challenges of the renovation, Beard said.

“We need to get the word out that we are still open, and it’s business as usual, despite the construction,” he said. “We will still be in full operation, even though we are improving and adding to the facility.”

A secondary stairway on the south side of the union will be used during the renovation process. There will be signs to direct traffic to alternate routes through the building.

Warren Corman, university architect, said the new stairway would also meet fire and safety codes.

“Right now you have to zigzag back and forth to get to different levels, and that doesn’t meet fire code for exiting in a hurry,” he said.

Other improvements to the union include an outdoor plaza on Mississippi Street, an expanded Mount Oread Bookshop, and a new bridge from the parking garage to the union, providing easier access to the KU Bookstore.