The Student Union Building construction is on time and on budget, according to project supervisor Chuck Coderko.

Construction broke ground late in the 2016 spring semester and has been on track throughout the summer. Coderko anticipates opening the building in spring 2018.

“We’ve been working closely with the interior designers,” Coderko said. “We know what we want to have done; it’s just a matter of getting the stuff.”

The intended designs are available for viewing on the Student Union page of the UIS website.

Coderko confirmed that the Food Emporium, currently located on the lower level of the Public Affairs Center, will be moved into the Student Union Building once construction is complete. The school also intends to add a coffee shop to the building.

“We’re working for a Starbucks,” Coderko said. “Those contracts should be signed in a few days.”

Director of Public Relations Derek Schanpp encourages students to get involved. “Students are excited to be able to walk to class and see what’s going on,” Schnapp said.

Those interested can also view the construction from a live web camera placed atop University Hall Building, a link for which is available on the Student Union webpage.

Brennan Stidham, a UIS student currently in her last semester, offered her insight into the long-awaited project.

“It’s now coming along right as I’m about to graduate,” Stidham said with a laugh. “It would have been cool to have that a long time ago…but it’s at least going to benefit [the younger students], so it’ll benefit someone.”