The Michigan Union, which is nearing the end of its 20-month renovation process, will officially reopen on Jan. 13, 2020, according to the University.
The plan for the $85.2 million renovation was approved by the Board of Regents on July 21, 2016. The Union — which turned 100 on Oct. 16, 2019 — closed April 30, 2018 for a restorative renovation.
According to a press release, Susan Pile, senior director of University Unions and Auxiliary Services at U-M, said the newly renovated union is the result of years of hard work and is an exciting contribution to the University.
“We are very excited for everyone to see the beautiful results of the Michigan Union renovation,” Pile said. “I imagine the campus community will be very proud of the newly renovated building. From the input of the earliest student committees to the contractors and construction crews to the staff who smoothly transitioned the space, it was a community effort with results we will cherish for years to come.”
The opening celebration will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will include remarks from the administration, an open house, tour and a special giveaway for the first 500 guests.
The Union announced its restaurant partners on Oct. 16, which include Panera Bread, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea and others. Taco Bell was later added to the list.
The newly renovated Union has undergone significant technological and infrastructural updates, and will include a new “IdeaHub” to serve as a space for student organizations. There will also be more options for meeting spaces.