The University of Rhode Island is planning to renovate the Memorial Union to increase student retention and meet the needs of the next student body, according to the Campus Improvement Plan.
The aim for the renovation is to create a flexible space that fits students, the campus community and alumni expectations, according to the Campus Improvement Plan. URI justifies that the renovation project will enhance school spirit and pride, welcome a diverse student body and enhance student achievements. Through thoughtful design, the project will create a stronger social setting while addressing deferred maintenance, according to the plan.
As Memorial Union renovations continue, students have ideas about what the plans should include.
The main floor should be updated, according to fifth-year student Emily Dwyer. She said the furniture and carpeting could have brighter colors. The walls also could be painted Keaney blue, according to Dwyer, as it’s the university’s color.
The main area should have more seating, according to fourth-year student Sophia Sweet. Whenever people come to eat, there aren’t enough places to sit with friends, Sweet said. Sometimes, they have to resort to sitting in the mailroom area, which is less comfortable.
Renovating the downstairs area could spread out the number of students who come to the Memorial Union, according to Anthony Faath, a fourth-year student. He said that more people would go from the main area upstairs to utilize the first floor. Fujishan, the sushi restaurant on the first floor, was a go-to spot before it closed.
“I used to love the sushi there, so anything like donuts or something on there would be nice,” Faath said.
Finding a way to minimize the crowd of people who go to the mailroom would help students who spend time downstairs as well, according to Cyra Uthoff, a fourth-year student. Otherwise, it would be difficult for students to hang out with a long line of people waiting to pick up packages.
Renovations could include fixing the outlets on the second floor of the Memorial Union, according to third-year student June Eagan. Some of the outlets are stuck, causing difficulty in charging electronics on desks.
Other than that, the Memorial Union looks fine the way it is, according to Eagan.
The wood paneling at the deli stand should be brought back so the spot can stand out, according to fourth-year student Aaron Rossi. Food prices should also be lowered to help students who rely on dining dollars for food.
“Renovating the Ram’s Den was unnecessary because it lacks the personality it had before,” Rossi said. “Just fix the Ram’s Den, that’s all I ask.”
The Memorial Union doesn’t need a lot of renovating, according to fourth-year student Edwin Hernandez-Zanella. However, the hallways are narrow, which could cause difficulties for people walking through. If they were wider, there would be open space to accommodate everyone.
The total capital for the Memorial Union renovations and additions is $68.6 million, according to the Campus Improvement Plan. First constructed in 1953, the 133,000 square foot building is proposed to include an additional 9,000 square feet and improve parking and landscaping by URI.
Renovations for the Memorial Union are expected to conclude in fall 2027.
