Daily Skiff

Media Credit: Jason Fochtman Junior international communications major Alexis Branaman reaches across the salad bar at the Market Place. The Brown-Lupton University Union opened on Aug. 18. [Click to enlarge]

Construction of the Brown-Lupton University Union is scheduled to be completed soon, after more effective drainage plans had to be cleared by the city of Fort Worth, a TCU official said.

Don Mills, vice chancellor for student affairs, said weather, in addition to drainage problems caused by flooding in the Campus Commons and the construction site, led to the BLUU's grand opening being pushed back to Sept. 2 from its expected August opening,

Mills said the drainage problem was an "engineering challenge," but the city has been a good partner.

"You always want to do something that will be effective, but also doesn't increase the cost of the project too much," Mills said.

Other than the plaza and the auditorium, the construction of the University Union is "almost down to the punch list," said Larry Markley, director of the BLUU.

Brian Gutierrez, vice chancellor for finance and administration, said the project has also had a budget increase. In April, the original $45.7 million budget increased by $3.6 million, making the final price tag $49.3 million, Gutierrez said.

The budget increases were funded through the university's "cash on hand" and Campaign for TCU fund, he said.

"It's always difficult when you're designing a building to get all of your concepts in and budgeted," Gutierrez said, adding that certain elements of the BLUU, such as the trellises in the student dining areas, were added as construction progressed.

The BLUU houses a conference center, three retail stores, a 352-seat auditorium and a new home for the post office, previously located in the basement of Sadler Hall .

Although construction at the BLUU is not finished, the dining facilities are up and running and students aren't daunted by the delays.

Dan Miles, a senior mechanical engineering major, said the construction had no effect on his perception of the University Union.

"Even though the construction is still going on, you can tell it's well thought out and well done," Miles said. "When all that gets cleaned up, I can't imagine how nice it's going to be."

BLUU Grand Opening
When: 11 a.m. Sept. 2
Where: Brown Lupton University Union

By The Numbers
5 - number of basic colors the tower's lights can be set to
311 - number of doors inside the union
13 - sets of doors leading to the outside
600 - number of seats in the Market Square

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