A fixture of University of Minnesota campus life since 1939, the 300,000-square-foot Coffman Memorial Union opened to rave reviews for its elegant Steamship Modern character. Many of the original features were lost during a renovation in the mid-’70s. The goal of its second renovation was to restore many of the attributes of the 1939 building while also appealing to current and future students.
The project fulfills student needs for academic services, retail and entertainment, and social opportunities. The renovation also establishes a visual and pedestrian circulation corridor that links the historic Northrop Mall to the Mississippi River. Major program elements include a new central University bookstore, study lounges, computer lab, food service and dining, conferencing and assembly spaces, and a multipurpose theater.
Awards
- Facility Design Award, Association of College Unions International (ACUI)