Memorial Union (Wisconsin)

For places with similar names, see Memorial Union (disambiguation).
The Memorial Union
Location 800 Langdon Street, Madison, Wisconsin
Coordinates 43°4′35″N 89°24′0″W / 43.07639°N 89.40000°W / 43.07639; -89.40000Coordinates: 43°4′35″N 89°24′0″W / 43.07639°N 89.40000°W / 43.07639; -89.40000
Built 1928, theater wing 1938
Built by Jacob Pfeffer of Duluth, MN (main building), Jacobson Bros. of Chicago (theater wing)
Architect Arthur Peabody (exterior), Leon Pecheret (interior), Michael Hare (theater wing)
Architectural style Neo-Renaissance (main building), Streamline Moderne (theater wing)
Part of Bascom Hill Historic District (#74000065)
NRHP Reference # 15000255
Added to NRHP May 19, 2015

The Memorial Union is located on the shore of Lake Mendota on the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. On the lakeshore to the north of the building is the Terrace, a popular outdoor space overlooking Lake Mendota. It has gained a reputation as one of the most beautiful student centers on a university campus.[1]

History

The exterior of the main wing was designed by University Architect Arthur Peabody. Opened October 5, 1928,[1] the facility is operated by the Wisconsin Union, a membership organization. Porter Butts, the first director, called it a "college union" because it combines the characteristics of a student union ("student activity center" in other countries) and a student government ("students' union" in other countries) in an organization that brings together students, faculty, and members of the surrounding community.

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 19, 2015.[2]

Facility

Outside the main building is the Memorial Union Terrace, a stone outdoor dining and recreation area on the shore of Lake Mendota. The Terrace was designed by Peabody's daughter, Charlotte. It is a popular spot among students and local residents for socializing because of the backdrop of the lake, with its view of sailboats, and the sound of live music, usually free to the public in the evening. The Wisconsin Union Directorate funds music on the Terrace four nights a week in the summer, and on the Terrace or in der Rathskeller on weekends during the school year (depending on weather).[3]

Within the Union are rooms and artworks reflecting the local heritage. The largest is Der Rathskeller, a German-style beerhall with elaborate murals, where political debates and card or board games are common among students over a beer.[4] The Rathskeller directly connects the ground floor to the Terrace outside. Also on the ground floor are the Paul Bunyan Room and cafeterias. Upstairs are the Beefeater Room and the Old Madison Room. The west wing of the Union houses the Wisconsin Union Theater.

The Daily Scoop sells Babcock ice cream made at the University. Peet's Coffee Shop is a privately managed operation that serves coffee and pastries. The Essentials desk acts as information and referral resource, as well as a small retail shop offering bus tickets, Eurail passes, newspapers, apparel, and snacks. Memorial Union houses several restaurants and cafeterias.[5] A catering department serves conferences, events for the university, and weddings of Union members, and the annual Tudor Dinners.

The Memorial Union is currently (2016) undergoing extensive renovation but remains open during the renovation with certain areas and entrances closed to the public.[6]

The Hoofers, an activity group headquartered in the Union, offer activities on Lake Mendota and other outdoor sites.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 "Memorial Union".
  2. ↑ "Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 6/01/15 Through 6/05/15". National Park Service. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Memorial Union Terrace". Retrieved September 30, 2013.
  4. ↑ "A Firm Foundation," Wisconsin State Journal, Sept. 3, 2000, pp. 1F & 5F.
  5. ↑ "About Lakefront on Langdon".
  6. ↑ http://unionreinvestment.wisc.eduMemorial Union Reinvestment
  7. ↑ Jim Feldman, The Buildings of the University of Wisconsin (1997), p. 206.
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