University of Wisconsin-Madison students are back in class, but they won’t be able to unwind at the Memorial Union Terrace: The iconic lakeside spot is set to close Tuesday for renovations.
The multicolored tables and chairs that spot the terrace along Lake Mendota usually stick around till late fall, but not this year. The university is laying down new pavement and adding more seating as part of a $52 million expansion project to both the terrace and the union building.
UW-Madison senior Jenna Hatab said she’s happy with things the way they are.
News with a little more humanity
WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” newsletter keeps you connected to the state you love without feeling overwhelmed. No paywall. No agenda. No corporate filter.
“I like it how it is,” she said. “I guess the more changes to it, the less it feels like the old Wisconsin union.”
UW-Madison senior Natalie Sivilotti said the seasons change according to the Memorial Union Terrace: “As soon as the terrace chairs come out you know summer is here,” she said.
The colorful chairs are expected to reappear when construction ends in early summer 2016.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2025, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
