NMU has begun the design process for an estimated $17.5 million renovation of the University Center. An architect has been hired and a 16-member advisory committee with broad campus representation is being established. The project has the following goals:

·        Provide a new and modern conference venue for the university, region and Upper Peninsula

·        Greatly enhance our ability to host large events with an increased capacity from 600 to 900 guests

·        Provide adequate support space for events such as increased pre-function space

·        Renovate and update many of the smaller conference and meeting spaces

·        Upgrade and redistribute select administrative spaces within the building

·        Provide a new exterior for the facility creating a truly signature building for our campus

·        Address outstanding long term maintenance

Neumann/Smith Architecture, the same firm behind the campus residence hall project, has been hired as the designer for the UC renovation. To help guide this process, an advisory committee is being established to oversee and provide input into the design for this renovation. The 16-member committee has a broad range of campus representation including the Office of the President, VP for Finance and Business Administration, Facilities Department, Simply Superior, NMU Audiovisual, Student Enrichment, AAUP, NMUFA, ASNMU, Dean of Students, Admissions and the Marquette community.

As with all projects of this magnitude, there will be a series of design meetings with this group and individual stakeholder groups. Campus forums will be held for faculty, staff and students at the beginning of next semester. There will also be community forums. The project will be reviewed by the Campus Master Plan Committee, which has broad campus representation. The first set of design meetings with Neumann Smith is scheduled for the week of Nov. 21.