Although caution tape surrounds the Park Student Union and construction materials line its exterior, the union reopens today after two years of renovation.
The Park Place Convenience Store, the food court, and the offices for Arizona Student Media, which include the Arizona Daily Wildcat, will open to
coincide with the first day of class.
The project, which began during winter break 2002, has experienced a number of delays. The completion date was initially pushed back from June 2002 to May 2003. It was pushed back again to September 2003 and then again to today.
The renovation has cost about $6.1 million.
Even though the union officially opens today, some businesses will not be operating for a few more weeks.
"Not everything will be open, but we expect to be up and running within the next week or two," said Tamara De Stefanis, program director of PSU.
De Stefanis said some of the businesses are moving in at a different time because they hired their own contractors. He also said some of the contractors have been delayed.
Panda Express, Domino's Pizza, Bruegger's Bagels, the UofA Bookstore and the arcade will not open today. Those businesses have different contractors.
Patrick Yunker, general manager of Bruegger's Bagels, said he wanted to open earlier, but that there was nothing they could do.
"We're losing two grand a day. We're just not happy about it," he said.
Li Tsou, Tucson area manager of Domino's Pizza, also said he wished the construction could have been on time.
"We're just not comfortable about it, but things happen and it can't be controlled," he said.
The UofA Bookstore will experience the biggest delay, as it is not expected to move in until late March or early April, De Stefanis said.
Students said they were disappointed that not all of the businesses will be open on time.
"For all the construction I have to deal with in the morning, I thought they would at least be open on time," said Lauren Peckler, a freshman majoring in English.
Although Arizona Student Media, the Park Place Convenience Store, and the vendors in the food court have moved in on time, delays forced them to rush in the past week to be ready for the first day of the semester.
"I wish we had more time, but we wanted to make the spring semester," said Pam Lochrey, Park Place Convenience Store manager.
Mark Woodhams, director of Arizona Student Media, said he felt rushed, but that delays are always expected with construction.
"They gave us priority because we have a publishing schedule. It's not perfect but they did get us in," he said.
Larry Job, project manager for PSU, said design complications that delayed the construction company six months ago explain why the move-in was rushed.
"There is always design issues with any job," he said. "There is no control. Numerous things add up that end up pushing things."
Despite the ongoing construction, students said they will use the union.
"I think I'll probably gain a ton of weight, though since it is a shorter walk to the Park Union then the main union. The shorter distance, more food; I'm in trouble," said David Lee, a pre-business freshman.
Over the weekend, the Arizona Daily Wildcat and Kamp Student Radio moved from their former offices at East Speedway Boulevard and North Helen Street into PSU.
Saul Loeb, editor in chief of the Daily Wildcat, said that despite the rush, the move is a unique opportunity for the Wildcat.
"Coming to a centralized location gives us a better pulse for the campus," he said.
Other services that will be offered at PSU include Wildcat Gifts, a games room, copy machines, meeting rooms and a Residence Life office.
The food court will contain IQ Smoothies, Sunset Strips, On Deck Deli, Route 66 Grill, Sonora Express and Hotline.
On Jan. 21, a block party will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. to celebrate the opening of PSU.
Free food will be provided by Panda Express, Bruegger's Bagels and Domino's Pizza.
A band will also play in the outside dining area.
- Tyler Carrell and Natasha Bhuyan contributed to this story.