Oregon State University - Beaver Yearbook (Corvallis, OR)

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Taco Bell. Panda Express, and Burger King became the new eateries of the renovated commons, moving from the M. U. East. Photo by Jay Cudal A new. curved ceiling compliments the domed ceiling of the Memorial Union main entrance. The Commons' new marbled tiles and pillars were also inspired by the architecture of the original Memorial Union. Photo by Jay Cudal Larger windows line the west side of the Commons contribute to the brighter atmosphere. Photo by Jay Cudal MM. Renovations

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An array of pursuits were offered by the Craft Center. A student begins her next project in knitting, one of the various courses offered by the center. Photo by Jay Cudal Stephen Meyer participates in the art of processing photos. The MU Craft Center offered an up to date photo processing tab for students and faculty. Photo by Jay Cudal Craft Center

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A MODERN MAKEOVER Students, staff, and facility of OS'U were introduced to a new face of an ofd friend for the 1995-96 year. 77it Commons in the ‘Memorial Pinion, after being closedfrom ‘June 1994 until September 1995, was reopened with a completely new look: ‘Those students who hadkpoum the old Commons two years ago marveled at the dramatic changes. ‘Cite dark, atmosphere of the old Commons created by dim lighting and the wood paneling with orange accents had been replaced by a completely new and bright atmosphere. ‘This white marble tile, pillars, big picture windows and bright lighting gave the room a modern, yet classic style. ‘Ihe cafeteria style of food that supplied sandwiches, a salad bar as well as hamburgers and bagels, and an assortment of beverages, rangingfrom hot tea to soda to Snapple -was replaced with a mall-like food court. (Ihis food court brought in separate food corporations such as ‘Burger ‘King, ‘Taco ‘Bell, and‘Panda ‘Express who exhibited the styles of food that students said, through two years of market research, was the most desired. Some students disagree. 7 liked that I couldgo andget a bagel and a salad bar for lunch, and now all I see is fast food' one senior student replied. 'Ihe level of business of this new food court style has increased J% over the old way of doing things,’ said Mike Men thorite, M'll ‘Director of Operations. Another big change in the Commons was the tremendous increase in a comfortable and homey atmosphere that was not present in the previous edition. ‘Ihis was a change that students who only joined OS'U in the last two years would not realize. ‘The completion of the Commons was only the first in a series of phases for the restoration of the Memorial ‘Union, scheduled in a six. year cycle. ‘Ihe funding for these renovations came The (eVe( of business in this nevV food court style has increased T5°lo over the old tVay of doiny things. ” Mike Henthorne M. U. Director of Operation from student and state funds. 'Each year students pay a building fee as part of their tuition. This money goes into a general fund for schools of higher education in Oregon. ‘Thtis means that some of that OS'U money may be used for repairs at such schools Western Oregon State College. ‘Through these projects we are bringing the students money back, to where it effects them most. In effect, the students pay for these renovations but really are not paying anything more than they already zvould, ’ Men thome said. ‘The second phase, scheduled to start April of 1996, will consist of a complete cleaning of the exterior and remodeling of the east wing around the bookstore side. ‘The exterior cleaning unit repoint the mortar line in the decaying fixtures and walk: ways. ‘This exterior -work, 'uhll also include landscaping that will return the face of the Memorial ‘Union building into the design the original architects in the 50s envisioned. ‘Die bushes and plant life around the front of the building will be lowered, giving the building facade a tiered look.of levels. ‘Ihe low-ering of the level of shrubbery also satisfies a safety issue. As it stands now, the height of the bushes around the stairs and walkjvays create many shadows that cannot be lighted at night. Lowering the level of the bushes will allow for lighting and a safer area of trawl for all students, staff, andfaculty. ‘Ihe remodeling of the east uhng uhll create an atmosphere similar to that of the Commons, gizhng the M'U a symmetry it has missed. ‘Ihe Memorial ‘Union Program Council office uhll be moz ed upstairs and in its place uhll be a student lounge that can be used for meetings of classes or student groups. ‘Ihis lounge uhll also have an area where student groups can set up booths to sell things or give out information. ‘Ihe main emphasis that is seen throughout the renowition is the continued effort to make the building more handicapped accessible. In the new Commons area an elevator lobby zoos added to allow students easier accessibility to the many floors on that side. ‘Ihis same type of emphasis zihll be kept in mind as the second phase of reno-vat ion gets utulerzvay. In the east zihng, the small ramp and tzvo sets of stairs leading from ‘Blimpie s to the bookstore zvhere nozo stands a tzvo stair case system, either up the bookstore or down to the text book.area, zihll be replaced by an elevator lobby entrance similar to the one found in the Commons area. A third phase of the renovation project zinll revamp the ballroom area and is scheduled to begin in the 1996-99 year. Copy by Kathleen Sandoz M.U. Renovations