Despite all that has been said about the Reitz Union during the Student Government campaign, there remains room for discussion regarding the building's renovation and expansion.
Potential renovations would include replacing outdated pipes, some of which trace back to 1967, and expanding student organizational space, said Ryan Moseley, a former UF Student Body President and an advocate for the renovations.
UF has more than 900 student organizations, but the Reitz Union only has 27 rooms and a handful of cubicles to accommodate them, Moseley said.
"It's crucial that student's voices be heard for this project," Moseley said. "We feel that it's important this is a student initiative. This is our student union."
Moseley also pointed out underutilized space in the Reitz Union, such as empty hallways, that could be used as additional space for student groups.
Alex Cornillie, a physics sophomore who serves on the Reitz Union Board of Managers, said another one of the main features of the renovation project calls for the expansion of the Reitz Union Auditorium from 300 to 1,500 seats.
He said the auditorium is one of the first things UF students see when they come for Preview.
"It looks like a high school classroom from the 1940s," Cornillie said.
In addition, the renovation plans call for a 24-hour study center, multipurpose meeting rooms, a fitness center and a parking garage with 750 spaces, according to the Renew Your Reitz campaign platform, which promotes the renovation and expansion of the Reitz Union.
Michael Mironack, the director of operations for the Reitz Union, said other, less visible renovations could include replacing pipes in the Reitz Union's basement, some of which have been around since 1967.
The pipes control ventilation, plumbing and other crucial functions that assist in the building's day-to-day operations, Mironack said.
"A lot of things we're dealing with are infrastructure," he said. "If any of these major systems go down, it will be catastrophic."
If multiple pipes stop working, the Reitz Union could be shut down, Mironack said.
Mironack said now is the time to undertake renovations because construction costs are low and students are aware of the campaign to renovate the Reitz Union.
"We're not making this stuff up," he said. "We know for a fact that we have these problems."
However, Mironack was quick to point out that if anything is to be done, it will be left up to the students.
"I want to reiterate: This is a student issue," he said.
