Memorial Union Reinvestment

Impact of Construction: Frequently Asked Questions

Bus Service

Where did the 80 Bus go?

After a long absence due to a neighboring construction project, the Route 80 is back! The bus picks up in front of Memorial Union on Langdon Street and runs from 6:15 a.m. to midnight on weekdays. See the full route schedule and map here.


Building Accessibility

Will the building remain open during construction?

Yes! The Memorial Union will remain open during the entire duration of the building renovations. Various spaces will close as they are renovated.

What are the accessible points of entry to the building for disabled individuals or individuals who have a difficult time walking?

Individuals can enter or exit through the main front entrances on Langdon Street or through the entrance to Der Rathskeller/Lakefront on Langdon via the Terrace (Lot 1 will still have a pedestrian path so that patrons can access the Terrace from the east side of the building).

 

Room Reservations

What meeting rooms remain closed as renovations continue?

Paul Bunyan Room, Founder’s Room, Hamel Family Browsing Library, Studio B, Studio A, Rosewood Room, Rm. 5220, Roundtable, and the Mendota Room.

Can I still reserve a room at Memorial Union?

Yes!  However, the number of available meeting rooms has been reduced, so please book early to guarantee a reservation. Large venues like Great Hall and Tripp Commons remain open for reservations. Campus Event Services Office (CESO) staff can assist prospective customers in identifying how the renovations on site might impact their event.

 

Dining Services

Can I still eat at the Union?

Yes! Der Rathskeller, Der Stiftskeller, Lakefront on Langdon, Peet’s Coffee, Daily Scoop, and the Essentials are all open.

 

Parking and Transportation

How will vehicle parking be impacted by the construction at Memorial Union?

Lot 1 is currently closed for construction staging.  The only vehicular parking in Lot 1 to remain will be parking for Union/Pyle Center vehicles and limited disabled parking for individuals with a UW DIS permit. The loading dock will still be accessible for service vehicles.

 

Where can I park at Memorial Union if Lot 1 is closed?

There are more than 1,400 visitor parking stalls located within three blocks of Memorial Union:

Lot 6 (Helen C. White Library Parking Garage)

•70 metered parking spaces available daily in the upper level

•83 meters in lower level available to visitors evenings and weekends only (except on special event days)

•Sundays, and after 10 p.m. Mon-Sat free

•Located west of Memorial Union

•Enter on Park Street

Lot 46

•92 metered visitor spaces

•Available daily

•Located between University Avenue and Johnson Street, adjacent to University Square

•Enter on Lake Street

Lot 83 (Fluno Center)

•50-100 spaces

•Available daily

•Adjacent to Lot 46; enter on Lake Street

Lot 7 (Grainger Hall)

•45 metered spaces available for limited hourly parking daily

•400 visitor spaces available evenings and weekend hours (except on special event days)

•Sundays, and after 10 p.m. Mon-Sat free

•Located between University Avenue and Johnson Street

•Entrance on Brooks Street

Lake Street Ramp

•1,066 spaces of paid visitor parking

•Available daily

•Located three blocks southeast of Memorial Union on Lake Street between State Street and University Avenue

•Enter on Lake Street or Francis Street

 

Where can I find disabled parking?

UW Transportation Services has maintained several parking stalls in Lot 1 for individuals with UW disabled permits (UW DIS).  These are special permits for UW students and employees with DOT disabled permits.

Other visitors with disabilities can park in the Helen C. White parking ramp. The State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) disabled permits or DIS and VET DIS plates may park in the disabled stalls (unless signs indicate UW Disabled permits are required) and meters (30 minutes or greater) without paying an additional fee

Where can I find the inter-city busses that used to load right in front of the Union (Megabus, Badger Bus, etc.)?

The inter-city busses, including Megabus, Van Galder and Badger Bus currently pick up and drop off in front of the Chazen Museum of Art on University Avenue, two blocks south of the Memorial Union. Tickets can still be purchased at the Essentials Desk on the first floor of the Union.

 

Union Programs and Services

How have Union programs and services been impacted by the renovations?

Wisconsin Union Theater:
The Wisconsin Union Theater office has moved to the west wing. For more details about the Wisconsin Union Theater, including the current season, please visit the Wisconsin Union Theater website.

 

Wheelhouse Studios:
Formerly known as Mini Courses and Craftshop, the Wheelhouse Studios office has moved to the lower level of the west wing. Visit the Wheelhouse Studios website for the most up to date information.

 

Outdoor UW:
The Hoofers Clubs have moved into their new spaces at Memorial Union! Club offices and rentals can be found on the north end of the west wing, just off the Lakeshore Path along Lake Mendota.

 

DoIT Help Desk:
The DoIT help desk in Memorial Union is now closed.  The closest location is on the first floor of 333 East Campus Mall, three blocks from Memorial Union. For information about alternate locations, please visit the DoIT website or call at 264-HELP.