The Cooperage’s makeover will be costlier than originally planned, according to the ASUCLA board of directors.
The board voted Friday to approve an increase in the budget for the Cooperage remodeling project, from $2.5 million to $3.5 million.
The project, which has been in the works since early last year, will create new dining options, new facilities and a new layout.
The renovation includes plans for an expanded dining area and various entertainment options, which is part of an effort for the Cooperage to become a destination for socializing and networking.
During the meeting, Jason Sorger, undergraduate representative and chairman of the finance committee, said it was necessary to increase the budget of the project.
Bob Williams, ASUCLA executive director, told the board the actual project may not require the entire budget, but said extra money was necessary in case of unforeseen costs.
Michelle Kramer, a first-year psychology student, prefers eating in the dining facilities on the Hill to dining in the Ackerman eateries.
However, she believes the renovation may entice more students who live off-campus to eat there.
Kramer said she only eats in the Cooperage when she does not have time to go back to the dorms for a meal.
“It’s more economical to use my meal plan,” she said.
She added that remodeling the facility would likely not change how often she eats there.
In addition to the Cooperage project, the board looked over plans to build a dining facility at the Broad Arts Center, which would feature a coffee bar.
The board also reviewed the ASUCLA budget, which continued to show strong sales, especially in its dining facilities.
Williams said Greenhouse and Jamba Juice did particularly well, with Greenhouse’s sales almost doubling projected numbers.
The UCLA Store’s sales were also notable, Williams added, partially because of the Valentine’s Day sale, which he said was the second-largest sale of the year.
He said so far this has been one of the most successful years for ASUCLA in recent history.
Sorger said the finance committee also reviewed a presentation from representatives of Sbarro, who wished to remodel their eatery on the first floor of Ackerman.
The committee denied the request because Sbarro’s proposed red-and-yellow color scheme too closely resembled USC’s colors.
The board also approved the financial statements from the last fiscal year, as well as the next fiscal year’s budget, tentative assumptions and time schedule.