Union Plans Call For Food Court by Linda Charles Want to "cross the border" to "have it your way?" The Memorial Union may be just the place, once the ground floor has been renovated. MaryJo Mertens, director of the Memorial Union, said plans are to completely redo the ground floor. When it's done, there will be a food court that may include national fast food chains, a more attractive Commons seating area and new kitchens. The change in the type of food offered by the Union is a response to what people want, she said. Mertens smiles when she notes that today's students frequently ask why the Union doesn't serve "real" food, which they define as hamburgers from McDonald's, pizza from Domino's and tacos from Taco Bell. "How many 18-year-olds don't eat pizza or Big Macs?" she asked. "We can ignore that but then we wouldn't satisfy our customers." While the Union could make these foods itself, there's a draw to "branded" (brand name) foods, Mertens noted. "We feel we can attract more people with branded food than Memorial Union items," she said. "We believe the union food is good but it isn't a brand name." The Union has two options for fast food -- licensing, with Union employees running the operation under a brand name, or franchising, with the food chain hiring its own employees. Either way, Mertens doesn't anticipate any reduction in food service staff because of the Union's other food service operations, such as its large catering service. "There may be some position changes, but no one will lose his or her job," she said. "It might provide some new and interesting opportunities for people." The Union also will continue to offer a scaled-down cafeteria area, complete with a daily entrŽe. The Union's other food service areas, such as the Cardinal Room, will not be affected by the ground floor renovation. The project also will include fixing up the Commons' seating area. "We want to clean it up and make it more attractive," Mertens said. A big part of the renovation will be behind the scenes, with the installation of new kitchens. Mertens said the 63-year- old kitchens "are not efficient and effective for producing the food we need today." The $4.8 million project will be funded by refinancing current loans, student fees (the Union receives $3.90 per student per semester) and reallocating operating income, Mertens said. "We don't plan to ask for additional funds," she added. The Memorial Union Board of Directors gave final approval for the project this spring. The State Board of Regents also must approve the project. Mertens is hopeful it will be approved and completed within the next year. Mertens said the board also hopes to be able to renovate student offices during FY96. That project will cost another $1 million. Long-term plans include upgrading all meeting rooms and public places, renovating guest rooms (some already have been redone), and meeting all fire code and Americans with Disabilities Act regulations. Mertens is emphatic that present and future renovation plans will not compromise the integrity of the building. "We're going to keep what's special about this building." _____ contact: Linda Charles, (515) 294-3129 updated: 5-26-95