$130M UNT Union ready for 'topping out' ceremony

[Harry]

The University of North Texas System's largest ever Denton campus construction project is readying to mark a milestone.

The school's new $130 million University Union in Denton is scheduled to get its highest steel beam placed atop the campus building in a 'topping off' ceremony, which marks the completion of the tallest point in construction and is the crowing moment of a project a tradition among builders.

"We're halfway through construction on the new union, and this milestone is very important to UNT students, as they will soon be able to see all their hard work come to fruition," said Zane Reif, the director of the University Union, in a written statement. "After the placement of the highest steel beam, the building's 'skin' will start to go up, and the whole project will really take shape."

Read more: http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2014/08/28/130m-unt-university-union-ready-for-topping-out.html

[Harry]

This post has been promoted to an article

[CMJ]

I am gonna feel so lost next time I go to the finished Union.

[Harry]

I am gonna feel so lost next time I go to the finished Union.

I know right? I wonder what they will do with some of the old decor like that big wooden clock by the stairway...

I love the fact they will have photos of athletic stars and also love the green flags all around it. It's going to be awesome.

[Christopher Walker]

I know right? I wonder what they will do with some of the old decor like that big wooden clock by the stairway...

Well I can tell you where some of the old decor is...

[Harry]

That's too cool Christopher! How'd you get that? Five finger discount?

So any chance they reopen the infamous Rock Bottom Lounge?

Or here's another one that will show my age.... Any chance they bring back the cyberball video game? I played that damn game more than I studied!

[Christopher Walker]

Hahaha. I got it at a basketball game last year as part of a Student Alumni Association auction. I wanted one of the massive Silver Eagle Suite signs, but a group of Talon members beat me in the betting.

I really like mine though...

----

And I don't know about the Rock Bottom Grill, but the revamped Syndicate will have multiple levels and the stage's backdrop will be a massive roll-door that can open to the outdoors. This way it can be converted for outdoor concerts quickly.

[CMJ]

Who got the big ass signs with the fight song and alma mater that were in the stairwells?

[Christopher Walker]

Who got the big ass signs with the fight song and alma mater that were in the stairwells?

Some guy in his forties. Or at least that's where I'd peg him of o remember correctly.

[oldguystudent]

The important questions need be asked. Bar or no bar?

[northtexassigep]

bar

[oldguystudent]

bar

My allegiance to my graduate university has just increased, and I can now say that I have never graduated from a school without an on-campus pub. This is a grand day for higher education everywhere.

[CMJ]

Some guy in his forties. Or at least that's where I'd peg him of o remember correctly.

I kinda hope they install new ones. I always liked that touch when I took the auxiliary stairs.

[Grant.UNT]

When does this officially open?

[Keith7]

Lots of great memories in the old Union. I'm looking forward to seeing how this one looks when it is finished.

[HoustonEagle]

This really was much needed. The old union was terrible as a social gathering place.