Several Bovee University Center renovations complete, work to continue through fall semester

CMU’s “center of it all” will soon be central to more student-focused vendors and areas.

The Bovee University Center’s construction will continue through the fall semester, and while the renovations will not be completely finished by the time students arrive, building visitors can expect to see a number of new additions. The UC will include a post office, game area, Starbucks coffee shop, an open lounge seating area and several large and small conference rooms.

A new women’s restroom and a unisex restroom will also be installed.

“The third floor east wing is currently one of the completed portions on the project,” said Steve Lawrence, vice president of Facilities Management. “The game area is to be finished this month and the lower east wing will be done in August.”

Lawrence said the post office, Presidential Conference Room and a few other conference rooms have already been completed.

The last portion of the UC renovations is not expected to be completed until December, Lawrence said. This last portion includes the main floor’s west wing, including the women’s restroom.

The project remains within its original proposed budget of $5 million so far, Lawrence said.

Midland senior Ryan Dingman said he is excited for the renovations to be completed from what he has seen of them.

“I’ve taken a walk around the construction areas and it just looks great so far,” he said.

Dingman said he is looking forward to the student-oriented feel the new additions will have.

“The new lounge areas are going to make it easier for people to just relax,” Dingman said. “There is going to be a lot of new furniture for students to just sit down and take a break.”

Brighton senior Brandon Pach said he is looking forward to seeing the finished product as well.

Pach said he thinks the construction will help improve the atmosphere in the UC.

“I think it’ll feel more chill and relaxing,” he said. “I don’t really think of it right now as a place to go relax. I wish I would’ve had something like this before my senior year.”