Interactive water fountain with illuminated jets and sculptural stone elements outside the Nebraska Student Union at night. Scroll Down arrow icon

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Student Union Renovation and Expansion

The renovation and expansion of the Nebraska Student Union on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln City Campus modernized one of the university’s most active gathering places. Working in association with Sasaki Associates, Sinclair Hille Architects provided architectural services for the $10 million project, which included the renovation of approximately 66,000 square feet of existing space and a 53,000-square-foot addition. The project strengthened the role of the student union as a central hub for campus life while supporting the university’s evolving higher education student life facilities.

Interior tiered auditorium seating inside the Nebraska Student Union expansion.

A key design objective was to expand the building while respecting the architectural character of the original 1938 structure and its Neo-Georgian style. The new addition was carefully designed to complement both the historic building and a later 1969 expansion, creating a cohesive architectural composition across multiple generations of campus development.

The addition introduced a variety of new spaces to support student activities and campus services. These included a 325-seat tiered auditorium, expanded lounge and food court dining areas, new meeting rooms, and enhanced facilities for the Student Involvement Center and Union Administration. The project also created new offices for the Daily Nebraskan student newspaper and included a 24-hour Student Computing Services room along with an art gallery for displaying student work. Together, these improvements support the collaborative and social functions that define contemporary college and university campus facilities.

Exterior steps and brick column entry at the Nebraska Student Union on UNL City Campus.
Close-up of illuminated fountain and plaza with the Nebraska Student Union building in the background.

The project also extended improvements to the surrounding campus environment. A newly designed plaza and interactive water feature north of the Union provide a welcoming outdoor gathering space for both formal events and informal student interaction. The renovation and expansion enhanced the Nebraska Student Union’s role as a focal point for student engagement while strengthening the connection between campus buildings and outdoor public spaces.

Grid Icon View All Projects

Student Housing | Mixed Use Development Study

University of Nebraska-Lincoln | UNL Glenn Korff School of Music
Back To Top