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Construction outside the MarketPlace at the University Union is expected to continue into September. The project will bring an outdoor patio to the MarketPlace.
Photo by Jonathan Cohen
MarketPlace patio expected to be completed by Family Weekend
August 15, 2016
TweetThe interior of The MarketPlace will be operational by opening, but some of the exterior work for the patio and lounge area will continue until just before Family Weekend, Sept. 16-18, according to Brian Rose, vice president for student affairs.
“There’s been a delay in procuring some of the custom glass needed to complete the project, which has set it back,” he said. “We had hoped the entire project would be completed by opening, but everything will be done by Family Weekend.
“The indoor space will be operational, with some temporary material where the glass still has to be installed, but the interior space will be usable and accessible,” he added. “Additionally, the construction staging area will shrink by Move-in Day, so the fence will extend only around the actual project site.”
When finished, the outdoor space, including a patio and seating, will provide a gathering space in the heart of campus, Rose said.
“The vision from my point of view was always to have an outdoor seating space on the Peace Quad for people to enjoy when weather allows,” he said. “It was always part of our plan for the The MarketPlace, but we didn’t initially have the resources. With the success of The MarketPlace over time, we now have the opportunity to complete the original vision including a larger lounge space and an outdoor patio. We are looking forward to seeing everyone enjoy the new enhancements to an already popular spot this fall.”
Inside The MarketPlace, a larger Asian concept will exist when the semester begins – the Mein Bowl is expanding into the former convenience store area with a sushi station. In addition, a full Starbucks and a Subway will open in Hinman Dining Hall by the first weekend of classes.
“Every year, students leave in May and by the time they return what we try to do is have them see something that wasn’t here when they left,” Rose said. “Sometimes we can do something prominent like this project, or the Turf Field; other times the projects are more modest such as the Ropes Course, the Disc Golf Course or the refurnishing of the Hinman Library. Regardless, I think it makes it more exciting to be a student here when you can enjoy a new or revitalized student life space each year. I look forward to continuing our efforts.”