Purdue Memorial Union Undergoing Renovation
Ground floor renovations are underway at the Purdue Memorial Union. (photo courtesy of Purdue University/Administrative Operations)
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Purdue Memorial Union in West Lafayette is undergoing a $47 million ground floor renovation. The 67,000-square-foot space is expected to be complete later this year and is on schedule to open in January.
Work on the space began last August.
“Through our partnership with Aramark, we have been able to bring exciting new food options to campus, and we are already seeing success with the concepts in Griffin Residence Hall North and Meredith Residence Hall South,” said Rob Wynkoop, associate vice president of auxiliary services. “When the ground floor of the Union reopens, even more new options will be readily accessible to students, faculty and staff and located near the parking garage and the Union Club Hotel for visitors.”
Purdue says the ground floor of the PMU previously housed nine restaurants and a pub. When complete, the space will house 12 dining venues including four restaurants developed by Chicago’s Cornerstone Restaurant Group and a sports bar and grill co-owned by Drew Brees, former Purdue quarterback.
The dining venues include:
- Aatish – Halal Contemporary Kitchen
- BBQ District
- Boilermaker Market @ PMU
- Chef Bill Kim’s
- Fresh Fare
- Latin Inspired by Chef John Manion
- Main Street Poké
- Pizza & Parm Shop
- Sol Toro
- Starbucks
- Sushi Boss
- Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux
According to the university, indoor seating capacity will grow from about 700 to 900 seats, and nearly 150 additional seats will be created within two outdoor terraces. The terraces will add more than 11,000 square feet of dining and collaboration space.
“The new terraces along the south side of the building will enhance the connectivity between the south lawn area and the lower level of the Union,” said Jay Wasson, associate vice president of Physical Facilities. “They will also increase the vibrancy and draw of the eastern edge of campus, recently transformed through the State Street Redevelopment Project and the construction of the new gateway at State and Grant streets. The terraces are a significant aspect of the renovation because they will improve the visibility, accessibility, seating capacity, daylighting and overall aesthetic of the Union’s ground floor.”
Purdue says the ground floor will also feature four performance stages, a fireplace lounge, multiple collaboration areas, and gender neutral restrooms.
“When it reopens, the ground floor will be a destination, not only for the campus, but for the community as well,” Wynkoop said. “It will be an inviting place to bring your family before a football game or to visit on a weekend.”
Purdue says fundraising has begun by the Purdue for Life Foundation with an overall goal of $5 million.