Development

Project Information

In June of 2004 the Board of Trustees at The Ohio State University approved plans for a new Ohio Union at the cost of $115 million.  Plans for reconstruction of the existing Ohio Union took into consideration the following factors:

• Modern-day needs of the student and campus community
• Deteriorating conditions of the existing building 
• Ability for the University to remain competitive with its benchmark institutions 

Student support to build the new Ohio Union was the key factor in the decision to replace the current building.  Construction is currently underway on the new facility that will measure approximately 300,000 gross square feet.  For more information on the new Ohio Union project click here .

Highlights of the new Ohio Union:

• An enhanced Multicultural Center located prominently on the first floor.
• Two-floor student organization center, with offices, conference rooms, resources, and a central gathering area for student organizations.
• Lounges with dedicated space for students, including commuter students.
• Larger ballrooms and more meeting rooms with the capability to support state-of-the-art technology.
• Conference theater and performance hall for special events, lectures, concerts, and other large events and presentations.
• Outdoor courtyards and an exterior programming space for concerts and other events.
• Satellite offices for student services such as Traffic and Parking, Financial Aid, and the Registrar. BUCK*ID will relocate their offices to the new Union entirely.
• More seating and the addition of fresh food options with marketplace-style dining.
• 24-hour Diner that will serve breakfast all day in addition to other diner favorites.
• An instructional kitchen with 7 mini-kitchens that allow for cooking classes and teambuilding.
• Engage High Street more effectively by moving the building to street level, complementing the Campus Partners initiative.