MUC expansion on track for 2014

The opening of the new addition to Muenster University Center on the campus of the University of South Dakota is on track for spring 2014.

USD’s vice president for Marketing, Enrollment and Student Services Jeff Baylor, said the MUC will reopen after students return from holiday break.

“Weather permitting and if everything stays on track, we’re looking pretty good,” Baylor said.

By the time the expansion is complete, an Einstein Bagels will be up behind the Pit Lounge, the area south of the Pit Lounge will be Qdoba and Chick-fil-A and the area opposite of that will be the new Marketplace.

Baylor said the U.Brew will stay in the same place, but the expansion will include more food options in U. Brew and more than 1,200 seats.

“The old Marketplace will be similar to the commons, but with newer equipment and better food,” Baylor said.

The construction covers the majority of the lawns surrounding the MUC.

First-year Brooke Baird said she’s gotten used to the construction.

“The construction workers do a good job of keeping out of the way of students going to class,” she said. “However, it will be more convenient for students when they finish the construction.”

Regarding the expanding options, Baird said it will hopefully reduce the congestion during busy times.

“It gives students more meal options and since the Marketplace is usually really busy around lunch time, and it can be hard to get food quickly if you are on your way,” she said. “If we have more places to choose from, then that will balance out the amount of people at each place and it won’t seem as busy as it is now.”

Other smaller additions that have been discussed are a multimedia wall that would be 16 feet wide and nine feet tall and include 16 televisions all side by side inside the new Marketplace.

Baylor also said the university is looking at putting small monitors into the booths for students to hook up their computers to as well as more charging stations.

Progress will be made over the summer with alterations and the addition of Einstein Bagels.

“When we get back from summer break we’ll see some progress,” Baylor said.

Junior Kayla Styles has seen the progress and is excited about the expansion.

“All of the entertainment features and new food options will be a great addition to the USD campus,” she said.