The University Union began receiving a slight makeover with the addition of 150 seats at the Union’s east entrance.

Along the walkway of the entrance, the left side if entering the Union from Parking Structure II, C&C Construction Inc. began removing planters last week to make room for the addition.

The project will be divided into two phases ?” seats will be added along the walkway and the current outdoor seating will be expanded.

The first phase, which will take six to eight weeks to complete, will add 75 seats along the walkway.

Wooden trellises covered with plants will shade the new seats from the sun. Overhead heating to keep students warm during the colder months will be installed. The second phase, which will take eight to ten weeks to complete, is the expansion of the current outdoor seating ?” to add 75 more seats,

The heating system will be powered by natural gas and will be regulated by thermostats. This project was originally set to begin in late October 2005, but was delayed.”Bids for this project came in too high,” said Don Tucker, assistant director of operations at the University Union.

According to Tucker, they received bids that were within the budget limit of $400,000 per phase.

C&C Construction Inc. agreed to remodel the seating along the walkway for $161,000. But they lost the bid for the expansion of the current outdoor seating to Landmark Construction, who was willing to do the job for $282,000.

Tucker assured that no new fees would be placed on students to pay for this renovation. “This entire project is being paid for by existing fees,” Tucker said.

For the most part, students are giving the project the thumbs up.

“It sounds like a great idea,” said Elizabeth Rutledge, a junior English major. “

“That sounds nice,” said Tyler Hanrion, a junior business major. “It would be good for eating outside, even in the winter.”

Jamie Gonzales can be reached at [email protected].