Old Union Overview

History:

The Old Union complex consists of three buildings—Old Union, the Clubhouse, and the Nitery. The Nitery was constructed first in 1915 as the first campus Student Union. Construction of the Women’s Clubhouse followed, but was not completed until 1923. The Old Union was constructed last, in 1922, and housed 4 dining rooms and several meeting rooms on the ground level, with dormitories on the second and third floors. After completion of Tresidder Memorial Union in 1967, the Old Union complex was converted to administrative offices.

In 2002, the Student Activities Space Task Force began a master plan for all student space on campus. One of its recommendations is that the Old Union complex be renovated to return to its original use as a student center.

Campus Center Improvements:

The Old Union renovation is the first of a series of projects intended to enhance the White Plaza area. In upcoming years, future projects will work to fulfill the goals outlined below.

In addition to the renovation of the Old Union complex, this project will incorporate substantial site improvements to the Campus Center, consistent with the 2004 Campus Center Exterior Space Plan. This plan is the result of a two-year effort by the University Architect/Planning Office in conjunction with consultants, the University Committee on Land and Building Development, the Student Activities Space Task Force, student representatives, and the White Plaza general public. The general conclusions and recommendations are based on reorganizing the space so as clarify and improve circulation; reduce asphalt; consolidate small pieces of unusable lawns and landscape; create improved outdoor spaces suitable for the various programs identified by the users; and upgrade the appearance of the outdoor spaces. The primary recommendations of this plan include the following:

Create a Primary Events Zone: Expand and create a central plaza area between Tresidder, the Post Office, the Bookstore, and the Clubhouse.

Enhance Green Space: Enhance the zone in front of Old Union such that a larger green space is associated directly with Old Union, returning the area to a function that corresponds more closely with its original design.

Develop a ‘Main Street’: Reconfigure Lasuen Mall as a cross campus ‘main street’ for bicyclists and pedestrians that continues through the project area and connects the Main Quadrangle to the Bookstore area with similar vocabulary. This area then continues the connection to the residential neighborhood.

Improve East-West Corridors: Define and improve east-west corridors with particular attention to Panama Mall and Duena Street.

Upgrade Entries: Improve the entrances to the Campus Center Area to define the area and to provide orientation, identity and convenient bike parking.

Scope:

The scope of work in the three buildings of the Old Union complex will include seismic strengthening, upgrade of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems, and improved ADA access that includes a new elevator in each building.

The first floor space in the Old Union will include a large living room area, a café, and the offices and student meeting rooms of the Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU). The second floor will house Office of Student Affairs staff and student group offices and workspaces. The third floor will be the new home of Religious Life.

El Centro will return to the ground level of the Nitery, and the existing theater will be maintained. Student publications will occupy the upper two floors.

The lower level of the Clubhouse will continue to house the Native American Cultural Center, and the Asian American Activities Center will move to the upper floor. The existing ballroom will be maintained and additional meeting space added to the first floor. A terrace, entrance and patios will be added to the Clubhouse so that the ballroom and other spaces can access activities in White Plaza.

(Last Updated : 4/26/06 )