Construction on the almost $1.9 million renovation of Glenview Commons has begun this week.

Stevens Construction Corporation of Madison will be the main contractor, winning the lowest bid at $1,893,222, Rob Cramer, assistant chancellor for administrative services, said. UW-Platteville was able to hire SCC after approval from the Wisconsin Department of Administration and the Board of Regents.

Graphic provided by Administrative Services

UW-P will have one or two bonds that will be $258,000 per year in debt service for this project, Jim Mueller, executive director of auxiliary services, said. The bonds will be paid over a twenty-year period.

The project will be paid for by revenue generated by Dining Services customers, Mueller said.

The bakery, which is currently located in the basement of Glenview, will move operations to Ullsvik Hall as well, Joie Schoonover, assistant director of Dining Services, said. Moving to Ullsvik is a concern for Dining Services.

“We certainly don’t want to lose the quality of our products by having to use other options when we move to Ullsvik,” Schoonover said.

Glenview will also feature a green roof on top of the addition, Schoonover said. There will be plants and grass to help conserve energy.

When complete, Glenview, which also is home to the Meal Access Office and Pioneer Provisions, will have some new names, Schoonover said.

“Platters will be the new name for the dining area and the café will be known as Greenwood Avenue Market,” Schoonover said.

The café will feature burgers, pizzas and a panini press for sandwiches, Schoonover said. The convenience store will be expanded and feature locally grown items such as fresh fruit, jams and jellies, and locally made items such as soaps, meats and cheeses.

There will be a multipurpose area where bands can perform or have Open Mic nights. Two Wii stations and two pool tables will also be available, Schoonover said. There will be some soft seating where students can go to relax, but it will also have some booths and regular cushioned seats.

“Students will also see new items such as grab-n-go sandwiches and meals, coffee from Java Coast and possible extended hours,” Schoonover said. “We want to provide more options for students.”

If the project is not complete by the end of summer, before school is back in session for the fall semester, it will affect many people, not only students, Schoonover said.

“It will definitely be an inconvenience,” Schoonover said. “There is a damage clause in the contract with Stevens if the project is not complete in which it will cost them [Stevens] a certain dollar amount each day.”

“It’s a very aggressive schedule,” Mueller said. “It needs to be done and Stevens will be good at that because they know our campus well.”