A look inside the ‘new’ Union
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
These photos offer a glimpse of some of the features in the renovated Michigan Union. Click each photo for a larger version.
The Union’s original windows were restored by Full Spectrum Stained Glass as part of the renovation. New storm windows by Peterson Glass Co. will help the building achieve significant energy savings. 
Other spaces in the IdeaHub include co-working booths for student organizations that physically and visually connect to the social spaces on the main level of the Union. This supports student organizations and fosters involvement, collaboration, creativity and debate. 
Quiet spaces on the Union’s fourth floor offer students areas to study, reflect and conduct smaller group discussions. Much of the Union was rezoned for more efficient office space, returning more square footage for student use. 
The Union renovation opened up new areas for student and community use. This pre-function space outside the new Wolverine Room was once office and storage space. The lounge overlooks the restored ballroom. 
Movement Studios, two spaces within the IdeaHub, feature mirrored walls, a built-in sound system, and special flooring for student organizations focused on performance, dance and other movement. 
New to the Michigan Union is the second-floor IdeaHub, which can be used by student organizations for meetings, brainstorming sessions and creative collaborations. The IdeaHub wraps around the newly enclosed courtyard. 
The extensive renovation — designed to help the university meet the needs of current and future students — honored the architectural and historic integrity of the Union including refurbishing the iconic ornamental design motifs, crown molding and plaster work. 
Student organizations will have the use of built-in lockers for short-term storage in the IdeaHub. 
Expanded and improved informal gathering spaces on the first floor, through restoration of the original 1919 floor plan, includes the new South Lounge. 
Campus Information has returned to its original, more central, location in the Michigan Union. 
The intricate designs from the original 1917 Michigan Union were replicated in many features of the building, including the railings that overlook the newly enclosed courtyard. 
This Well-Being graphic is featured on the fourth floor, which is home to Counseling and Psychological Services and Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center.
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