University of Central Florida Student Union Expansion

The standalone project evolved into the addition of 32,000 square feet, including a double-height, two-story food court area with a glass wall overlooking the University’s marquee natural preserve and cypress dome located at the center of campus. It will also house the university’s first dedicated space for student senate chambers, including permanent electronic voting and modern audiovisual systems. A renovated outdoor seating area will better serve the diverse needs of students and allow for meaningful interactions in the heart of campus. The advanced schematic design strategically phases the scope to minimize impact on student union operations and the natural habitat during construction.

The final scope of work included the expansion and partial renovation of the existing UCF Main Campus Student Union to accommodate approximately 700 dining and multipurpose seats, five vendor fit-outs for enhanced food service, and all related site work. Complementary program areas in the expanded facility included a remodeled back of house and catering kitchen, additional restroom facilities, storage areas and mechanical/electrical/data areas. During the development of the design, the program was also expanded to include office and meeting spaces for the Student Government offices to be relocated within the facility. The selected design solution, designed to achieve LEED Silver, comprises a three-story expansion to facilitate the most compact design on the site due to adjacent wetland areas and to reduce the operational burden of a sprawling facility, ultimately reducing costs.