The Student Union’s history and construction process
The demolition of the university’s previous student union began in May 2018. Four years later, construction is winding down and students at FSU have something to look forward to.
The decision was made to replace the Oglesby Union as the university’s enrollment continued to increase. The original union building of the university opened in 1952 when Florida State University maintained an enrollment of less than 5,000 students.
With the university now having an enrollment of more than 40,000 students, the new union is being built with a goal to "transform" the campus.
The new facility will include a food market, the new FSU Grill, campus store, conference space, meeting rooms and gathering spots of all kinds for campus activities.
The union was initially expected to be built by fall 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic and numerous weather events, including hurricanes and tropical storms, took a toll on that plan.
The ongoing pandemic led to labor shortages, supply chain issues and an increase in the cost of building materials, such as steel and concrete.
Originally the project was estimated at about $100 million, but over the years the price tag has increased by about $44 million.
"The impacts made by COVID intangibles and the unprecedented challenges have complicated decision-making, the ability to get sub-contractors to hold their pricing, and the availability of transportation for material deliveries," Farnum-Patronis said.
Work is currently being done on the finishing touches and to install custom fabricated handrails, roof plaza pavers and food service equipment – all things that should be completed soon, according to the project's construction manager.
"Due to delivery delays generated by COVID impacts, components necessary to the operation of building life safety systems have not arrived yet," Farnum-Patronis said. "Installation of these devices is critical to the achievement of building acceptance and occupancy."
Landscaping and irrigation are being completed at the same time.
The new union is expected to be open and invite in students ahead of the upcoming fall semester.
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