Delayed by pandemic, Student Union project back on track

Renovation and expansion of the Student Union is underway. VN photos by VICTORIA TAYLOR

BY VICTORIA TAYLOR / VN STAFF WRITER

After finally breaking ground in late 2020, the renovation project at Detroit Mercy's McNichols campus is well underway. 

Slotted initially to begin in the summer, the project was, like most things in 2020, affected by the Covid-19 virus. But it is on course now.

"The pandemic has impacted construction logistics, scheduling and ordering of materials, but we have moved through the issues and we are underway," said Tammy Batcheller, associate vice president of facilities management and campus service.

Initially built in 1955, the Student Union is the focus of the first phase.

It will be expanded by 15,000 square feet.

Also included in the project will be the removal of the Fisher Administration Center and Reno Hall.

"There is no date for demolition of Reno Hall yet," said Batcheller.

Other plans are being considered, as well.

"We are currently studying options for apartment-style housing on the McNichols Campus,” she saifd. “Once we have doable options, we plan to put out a survey to get student input."

Since the 1920s, the university’s McNichols Campus has been a predominant part of the northwest community it resides in, and this renovation vision continues to drive that legacy.

“We’re eliminating deferred maintenance from our portfolio. We’re making a $55 million investment… We’re very excited,” said university President Antoine M. Garibaldi. “It’s another investment into the city of Detroit and particularly in this neighborhood.”