New Union South Opens
A new Union South with features ranging from a rock-climbing wall to computer labs to green construction opened on the south side of campus in April.
Photo: Bryce Richter, University Communications
Located between the Computer Sciences and Statistics building and Engineering Hall, the new building was designed in organic prairie-style architecture, influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright.
In 2006, UW–Madison students voted to build a new and larger south campus student union. The $94.8 million facility is supported by student segregated fees, private donations, and Union operating revenue. The project involved input from more than 400 students, faculty, staff, and alumni; students represent a majority seat in governance.
Among Union South’s many features are study areas, bowling and billiards, an art gallery, dining facilities, a credit union, a 350-seat movie cinema, meeting rooms, student organization offices, and hotel guest rooms.
The project’s design committee followed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) process, a quantitative tool used to measure sustainability practices. LEED has four levels, and the design committee set the silver level as its goal — but Union South has earned a gold level, joining only one other college union with that designation. Some of the green practices include natural ventilation, natural storm water reservoirs, use of local and salvaged materials, and a high-efficiency irrigation system.
For more information about Union South, including how to make hotel reservations, visit the Wisconsin Union website.