The University of Detroit Mercy recently broke ground on the McNichols Campus Renovation Project, a project that Antoine Garibaldi, university president, said is just a portion of the university’s longe-range master plan.

The first portion of the project will be the expansion and renovation of the McNichols Campus Student Union, according to a press release from the university.

“This new student union will be a critical hub of activity for our entire campus and most importantly for students,” Mike McNamara, chairman of the University Board of Trustees and president of Hollingsworth, was quoted as saying in the release. “Originally built in 1955 and expanded in 1970, today’s groundbreaking and renovation will place the facility at the center of student life on the McNichols Campus,”

The overall plan also includes the demolition of the Fisher Administration Center and Reno Hall, according to the release. Upgrades are also planned for academic buildings, administrative space and residence halls, as well as new on-campus student apartments, green space on newly acquired land and a Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.