Southeastern’s iconic War Memorial Student Union is getting a makeover in the coming semester.

The planned renovation, a partnership between Facility Planning and Holly & Smith Architects, will renovate and expand the current Student Union by adding more room for campus dining operations and a third floor.

According to Kenneth Howe, director of facility planning, the planning process is going well, despite a short delay.

“[We are] making sure all the plans are correct,” said Howe. “We’re working with the contractors to make sure everything goes well.”

Howe explained that the delay is short and is meant to straighten out all the details with the contractor. Howe hopes that delaying the groundbreaking now will lead to a smooth building process once the projects starts.

Holly & Smith Architects are the same contractors who designed the Memorial Fountain in front of Fayard Hall and the nearly completed nursing building.

According to the website of Holly & Smith Architects, the new union will feature a revamped mall with expanded dining and lounge areas. Additionally, it will feature new areas for dining, lounging and meetings.

According to an Aug. 23, 2011 press release, the project is expected to cost $32 million and is being paid for largely by a self-assessed student fee and funds from participating commercial partners.

Howe expects work on the project to begin in February with, no exact date set for the groundbreaking.

For more information and renderings of the proposed design, visit www.hollyandsmith.com/portfolio.