Student Union

According to a 2007 study, UMKC students want a new, environmentally-friendly student union that provides more food options, computer and lounge space, meeting rooms and a theatre.

By the fall of 2010, that wish will come true. The 110,000-square-foot Student Union will feature a food court, coffee house, retail space, print/copy services, student organization/meeting rooms, open stage area, lounge seating, game room, student radio station, atrium and expanded parking garage. It will solidify West Campus as “the social core at UMKC,” said Nicholas A. Clark, student union building designs and operations student chair and fourth-year medical student.

Impact

• Students have outgrown the University Center, which was built in 1961 for a student population of 3,600. With a student body of about 14,500 students and enrollment projected to increase by 21 percent in 2011, UMKC needs a larger Student Union.
• As a LEED-certified building, the Student Union will contribute to the university’s sustainability initiatives. It will feature outside bicycle storage, public transportation access, storm water control and a rooftop patio overlooking the Country Club Plaza.

Cost

$38.3 million

The project will be funded through $1,000,000 in private funds, $500,000 in campus reserves and $36,800,000 in revenue bonds. The debt will be serviced through student fees.

Fast Facts

• A groundbreaking ceremony took place at 4 p.m. Oct. 3 at 51st and Cherry Streets. Interim Chancellor Leo Morton, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Mel Tyler, Chair of the Student Union Committee Nicholas A. Clark and previous and current SGA presidents spoke at this ceremony.
• From October of 2008 to April of 2009, design documents will be finalized. Construction will begin in February of 2009 and will conclude in May of 2010, with a grand opening scheduled for August of 2010.