Union’s Main Lounge reopens with restored original design

Laura Pescatore

Memorial Union’s popular Main Lounge on the second floor reopened Oct. 7, ending an eight-month remodeling project aimed at increasing the space’s functionality and usage.

The renovation was made possible with a $300,000 donation from the Class of 1950, which chose the project as a half-century gift. Since the Union is a war memorial building, it is an appropriate setting for a gift by a class profoundly affected by World War II, especially by the GI Bill that granted more veterans the opportunity to pursue higher education.

The Memorial Union Building Association and the Union’s operating budget provided approximately $125,000 in additional funding.

Now more than ever, the Main Lounge offers the perfect place to relax, study or converse over coffee.

“The Main Lounge remodeling project is a vivid example of the type of remodeling and restoration work we would like to do at Memorial Union in the years to come,” says Union Director Mark Guthier. “We were able to take a traditional space, add efficient and comfortable features such as air conditioning, and still retain the historic significance of the space. In this case, we were actually able to return it to a status similar to its original design, which was an important element for our donors.”

In addition to the crown ceiling and floor — both restored to their original condition — the Main Lounge now features new furniture, gas fireplaces and a flexible lighting system. By spring semester, wireless Internet service will be available.

The renovation offers something for art lovers as well. Besides a view into the adjacent art galleries, 10 prints from The Wisconsin Sesquicentennial Portfolio are exhibited, including works by such prominent artists as Ed Paschke, Susan Hunt-Wulkowicz and John Wilde.

“The collection of prints highlights various elements of Wisconsin artists and life, and it seems only fitting to display them in the living room of the Wisconsin Union,” says Lori Lukowski, director of the 2001-02 Wisconsin Union Directorate Art Committee, which helped oversee the purchase of the prints.

Also featured are stained-glass window panels created by James Allen, local artist and Memorial Union Craftshop manager, as well as original architectural renderings of Memorial Union made prior to the building’s opening in 1928.

“It’s amazing that the [Memorial Union] has retained so much of its original design,” said Union Gallery Director Ralph Russo. “It says a lot about the character of the building.”

The Main Lounge’s primary function will remain true to tradition, serving as a gathering place for students, faculty, staff, Union members and guests. It is also available on a limited basis for special events. For details, contact the Union’s Central Reservations office at 262-2511.