STUDENT UNION > RENOVATION > RENOVATION UPDATE
There are a few remaining facility related projects in progress to improve the look, feel, and accessibility of the USU and SSU facilities. Please note the revised target completion dates.
Meeting Services Office Renovation – Target Completion: End of October 2006
This project includes completely gutting and renovating the office space on the Camino del Sol walkway adjacent to the Design Factory. New flooring, windows, doors, ceilings and lighting will be installed along with new furniture and professional pictures of USU and SSU meeting rooms.
Signage/Way Finding Project – Target Completion: January 2007
Two large monuments will be placed at either end of the USU facility with directory information, maps, and lists of events in the USU. A second phase of this project includes the construction of smaller building identifier signs, bulletin boards, and graphic images to enhance the energy of the facility.
Additional Outdoor Furniture – Target Completion: October 2006
More furniture and umbrellas have been ordered to add seating around the Performance Plaza, the new Freudian Sip, and on the Sol Center exterior decks.
SSU Painting Project – Target Completion: October 2006
The SSU exterior will be painted in an effort to repair stucco damage, modernize the look of the building, and to make a visual connection between the USU and SSU facilities.
Freudian Sip Patio Expansion – Target Completion: November 2006
Cost estimates are currently being gathered to expand the outdoor seating on the west side of the Freudian sip by removing the small planter, pouring concrete, and installing a stainless steel handrail that matches the rest of the facility. Is should be a great way to take advantage of the great Southern California weather we enjoy most of the year.
ATM Installation – Target Completion: March 2007
Three bank automatic teller machines (ATMs) are being installed in the first floor breezeway of the Sol Center. Some metal and wall work will be needed before this can happen and cost estimates are currently being solicited.
Plaza del Sol Lighting – Target Completion: February 2007
Due to cost reasons, light poles in the Plaza del Sol performance area were value engineered from the project early on. In an effort to plan for the future, the infrastructure was run to small ground mounted dome lights that are functional place holders for eight future pole lights. These light poles will not only warmly light the plaza in the evening hours but will also be architecturally connected to the rest of the building.
International Programs Expansion – Target Completion: January 2007
International Programs has outgrown its current allocated space within the office of Student Development & International Programs (SDIP) in the USU. A renovation and expansion of the former Matador Involvement Center (MIC) across from the Games Room is currently in progress to give the IP functions room to grow.
Associated Students Expansion – Target Completion: January 2007
The former Mercantile Exchange building is currently under review by the Facilities & Commercial Services to be used as expanded office space for Associated Students (AS). Pending USU Board of Directors approval, AS staff will enliven the vacant space and ease the increasing space needs for AS.
Fitness Centre Rock Climbing Wall
The Fitness Centre premiered the rock climbing wall at the Grand Opening Celebration earlier this week. This same climbing wall is being installed down by the pool for students to use as part of the ever expanding Fitness Centre program. Estimates are now being gathered to replace the sand volleyball court with concrete to provide an adequate base for the wall.
Recreation Feasibility Study
Focus groups of students, staff, and faculty occurred in conjunction with the Grand Opening Celebration. The USU and AS have contracted with a private firm to assess the student needs regarding the need for a Recreation Center. Once this information has been analyzed, a rough program, budget, and construction estimate will be determined with the potential to bring a proposal to CSUN students in the near future.
While this is quite a long list, please understand that there are many other projects currently in progress that will add aesthetically or efficiency to the facility. These are just the most visible. Regardless, we hope this gives you an understanding that USU staff is not going to just stop working because the movie was finished and the building was officially opened. USU staff is fully dedicated to improving the facility, programs, and services – to providing MORE.
Respectfully,
Jason R. Wang
Associate Director, Operations & Services
University Student Union
California State University Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8272
Office: (818) 677-6579 Fax:
(818) 677-3615