The University Center sits May 31 on West First Street. Construction and demolition to the west wing of the building begins in June.
The demolition and renovation of the University Center is underway. Here are some updates for students, staff and faculty to be aware of. This list is not comprehensive.
Rosebud Theatre
Rosebud Theatre is being converted into a temporary retail food court with a large seating area that’s expected to be ready for the fall semester, Bear Lunce, UC and Commons associate director, said. Once the UC construction is complete, the food court will be converted into a junior ballroom.
Many of the current food options, including Panda Express, Subway, Sushic and TeaCo, will also make the move, but the Chick-Fil-A will relocate to the Commons near Maverick Café, according to David Albart, UC and Commons director. There will also be food trucks on Maverick Circle in the summer and fall.
“Our goal is to make sure that students have ample offerings and do not feel like they have lost anything throughout the renovation process,” Albart said in an email to The Shorthorn. “We will have opportunities for students to offer feedback on how things are going and what changes they would like to see implemented.”
The chairs in the theatre have been removed to make room for a floor that will sit level with the stage, Lunce said. A wall parallel to the front of the stage will be erected, and the area behind it will be used as a catering prep room and ballroom storage. The catering prep room is so food can go from the production kitchen to the ballroom without having to leave the building.
The transition from food court to junior ballroom is expected to take a year, Lunce said.
The UC website has links for people to reserve areas around campus to make up for the lost venue space.
Bluebonnet Ballroom
Bluebonnet South has been converted into a lounge/seating area that is ready for use, Lunce said. Various chairs and charging areas are in place for students, staff and faculty to use. The space will revert back to a ballroom once the UC demolition and renovation is finished.
Intercultural Student Engagement Center
The Intercultural Student Engagement Center is moving to the Continuing Education and Workforce Development Center, according to previous Shorthorn reporting.
The Intercultural Student Engagement Center’s mission is to cultivate a comprehensive approach to student retention and completion through the development of global leadership, academic support and community awareness, according to the UTA website.
University Housing and Residence Life
University Housing and Residence Life has moved next to the Dan Dipert University Welcome Center across from the College Park Center, according to signage outside its old office.
The programs and services provided by University Housing and Residence Life help students make a smooth transition into the UT Arlington Community, according to its website.
Brazos Park
Brazos Park will lose its designated free speech zone due to construction in the area. The free speech zone will move to the library mall, but Brazos Park will remain an event center, according to Lunce.
Market at UTA and Subway
The Market at UTA is open and located across from the Follett Student Leadership Center. The Subway is now a cart around the corner from the Bluebonnet Ballroom.
The Shorthorn
The Shorthorn has moved from the basement of the UC to the Continuing Education and Workforce Development Center.
The Shorthorn is a UT Arlington student-led publication that has been operating since 1919.
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