Arkansas Union Construction Updates

Photo Submitted

On Tuesday, June 23, the contractors working on the Union Mall moved to "Phase 2" Mobilization, which blocks off the north-side entrance into the mall area and Union North Terrace. Visitors can still enter the Union through the Garland Avenue underpass (from north and south) as well as the front doors from the south side. See this linked map of Phase 2, which is slated to last a few weeks.

East Side of Union
Starting July 1, and lasting two weeks, the Arkansas Union will also close the east-side A3 entrances (by the fountain) in order to perform demolition and re-flooring of the front entrance area. This work will block all east-facing exterior entrances, including the front doors, Club Red and Hill Coffee, for two weeks. Please see this linked map for an expanded no-go zone and some directional indicators. Folks coming from the north (Pat Walker, etc.) will best access the Union from the Garland Avenue underpass, while folks coming up from the south (Dickson Street, etc.) can get in either on Garland or from the South Terrace. The Union will maintain normal operational hours during this work, including Club Red and Hill Coffee - which can be accessed from the inside.

This extra work will mean using different exits from the Living Room. Please see this third map which shows exits from the Living Room & ICL area. There will be signage both inside and outside the Union to help direct people. This "expanded close" is expected to last through the first two weeks of July. Individuals or groups with questions about egress should contact the Arkansas Union Administration Office in ARKU 634 or call 479-575-2146.

Fourth Floor
Clark contractors will also close off the entire 4th floor to pour a new terrazzo flooring starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2. The 4th floor will be completely inaccessible until the following Sunday, July 7. Visitors and tenants will have to either take the elevator up/down or take the stairs down to the 3rd floor and continue on your walking path.

This will also coincide with a floor waxing of the International Connections Lounge on July 5 and 6 (Friday-Saturday). There will always be a path through the ICL during this time, but please pay attention to all posted signage during this work.

“This summer has probably had the most renovations to our building in my decade at the Union,” said Rob Stagni, director of the Arkansas Union. “But the hard work, and several moving parts our crews are handling, will result in a better facility for our students and staff. If any of these timeframes change, we will work to communicate that out to campus in a timely manner.”

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being, and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.