According to a UNM Newsroom release, with the Smith Plaza/Union Square Renovation project underway, the next step in the process involves a series of community workshop sessions scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
Three events are planned as part of the sessions. A preview of the renovation designs will be held Wednesday in Smith Plaza from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; a lecture and discussion hosted by Surfacedesign, Inc. will be on Wednesday in George Pearl Hall at 5:30 p.m.; and a roundtable discussion on the renovation plans is scheduled for Thursday in SUB Acoma A/B from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
According to the release, plans call for a 3.3 acre renovation that includes Smith Plaza south of Zimmerman Library, Union Square north of the SUB and the stair transition which connects the spaces.
With a budget of $3 million, obtained through institutional bonds, the goal is to create a space that will invigorate the plaza for students, faculty, staff and community users, and also advocate for UNM as a destination university, according to the release.
According to the release, the overall focus is to promote a balance of social and academic activities, as well as provide flexibility which will allow the gathering of small and large diverse groups while encouraging student engagement and connectivity.
Matthew Reisen is the news editor at the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @MReisen88.
