While renovations are not complete, the Crib in the Nebraska Union opened Feb. 10. The study space has been closed since renovations in the Nebraska Union started in fall 2013.
The project, approved June 7 by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, is limited to the first floor of the City Campus building. The renovation includes new carpet, vinyl flooring, paint, furniture, improvements to the south entrance and a recently completed redesign of the information desk and Caffina Café coffee shop.
Dozens of students took advantage of the newly opened space Monday, studying, eating lunch and working on group projects.
Construction workers continue to work on the stage area in The Crib space.
Jillian Christy, a senior merchandising major, said the renovated space was more inviting.
“I think it’s going to be a great place for groups,” Christy said. “I’m excited to see the finishing touches because right now it’s still a little rough.”
Signs outside of the space alert visitors that work continues in The Crib.
Currently, old furniture is being utilized in the redesigned space. New furniture will be added later in the semester.
The renovation includes a relocation of the corn-designed stained glass window that previously marked the south entrance to The Crib. The window — donated in memory of Robert Kubicek, a 1940 graduate who won a contest naming the original Nebraska Union snack bar, “The Corn Crib” — will be placed in a recessed, backlit space within The Crib.
The window, currently in storage, will return in a few weeks, said Charlie Francis, director of the Nebraska Unions.
With The Crib open, the lounge space in the northwest corner of the union has been closed off for renovations. Construction workers have started removing carpet and glue from the floor.
The renovation will include new flooring and paint. The project will close off the northwest lounge space in the union for the next two to three weeks, Francis said.
“We hope to have the flooring sequenced and get the furniture at spring break,” he said.
