By
Angela Orlando
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Campus construction forces relocation of UA entertainment organizations
With the impending reconstruction of the Memorial Student Union, organizations' offices will soon relocate to new homes.
Weather issues and other construction-related delays have adjusted the relocation date several times, Mindy Griffith, senior coordinator of campus activities, said. The official move date is now set for March 8, allowing clubs time to relocate during Spring Break.
Some directors are hesitant to believe the move is finally happening.
"The date has been moved back many, many times," Jack McLaughlin, director of Rising Star Entertainment, said.
The first time Rising Star was instructed to pack its office was before Christmas break. Fluctuating move dates have inspired frustration within the organization.
"We are all packed up and working out of cardboard boxes," McLaughlin said. "There have been some projects I just couldn't commit to (this semester) because of this disorganization."
Union galleries coordinator Chrissy Lieberman is experiencing difficulties finding room for the more than 200 permanent works of art which will need to move from MSU as construction accelerates.
"Most of the available space in the new building is in dining areas, which just isn't conducive to art displays," she said. "Some pieces may have to be stored, but the important original pieces need to be displayed."
Many of the works in the permanent collection have been donated to or purchased by the student union.
Until the new student union is entirely finished, venues such as The Cellar will need to find an alternative place from which to entertain.
Comedy Corner producer Zack Armstrong expects to move into the Modern Languages building. In the past, Comedy Corner has performed its shows Fridays at noon.
"(This organization) has been in The Cellar for the past 20 years," he said. "It's kind of sad, but, at the same time, change is good. We'll probably have to become a nighttime show."
Griffith said she looks forward to the opportunities improvised venues might present. More entertainers will perform on the Mall, in residence halls and in the Park Student Union.
"We can branch out into different environments," she said.
The new union will feature a modern Cellar-like performance venue, but it could take "years," according to McLaughlin.
"We did get to give input on the design of the new venue," McLaughlin said. "It should (eventually) be acoustically equivalent to the ballrooms (now) upstairs."
Current cramped conditions have some people happily anticipating the move.
Right now, 10 assorted Union Activities Board (UAB) committees are working from three scattered offices.
"When we're all in one area, we'll be able to work better as a team," Griffith said.
The bookstore will be housed on the lower floor of the newly constructed union, while UAB's club and organization headquarters will occupy upstairs office space.
"The carpet is laid, and the furniture is in," Griffith said.
McLaughlin has also taken a virtual tour of the new offices.
"We'll have new desks and a computer center and cubicles. It's going to be really cool," he said.
