UF students can now access parts of the Reitz Union.
The area from the ground floor through the second floor is open to students, said Eddie Daniels, the executive director of the Reitz. But, the Orange and Brew and Wing Zone are not yet open.
The Reitz will announce an opening date when the fire marshall says the building can open, he said. The construction, which has been going on for about two years, will cost about $75 million, Daniels said. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be Feb. 20.
The fire marshall has inspected the building since Dec. 16, Daniels said.
“The system is being tested to make sure everything is perfect,” he said.
The renovated building will house offices for Student Government, Multicultural and Diversity Affairs, Student Activities and Involvement, and other student groups, Daniels said.
Lloren Foster, the executive director of Multicultural and Diversity Affairs, said he thinks having these organizations next to each other will allow for better interaction.
“You have no idea how excited we are to move to the premier building on campus,” Foster said.
Rachel Sharp, a UF history junior, said she is looking forward to saying goodbye to her cramped space in the temporary Student Activities and Involvement office.
“I’m really excited and eager to see the new space because everything is kind of jumbled right now with our materials,” the 20-year-old said.
Contact Meryl Kornfield at mkornfield@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @merylkornfield.
The main foyer of the new expansion to the Reitz Student Union, seen on Oct. 29, 2015, was designed with UF’s mascot in mind. The railing on all three floors has alligator-shaped holes cut out and the wooden ceiling is patterned to mimic the underbelly of a gator.
