OT: Marquette Projects

[mu_hilltopper]

I find the thread about the Union interesting .. I was there 87-91, so had 3 years of Briggs, and 1 year of the new .. and was ASMU Treasurer (bow before me) the last year, so did a lot of work on the new offices, ordering stuff, moving, meeting about the design of the new union, etc.

The old union certainly had character in spades.  But if you don't like the functionality of the new union, you would have hated the old one.  Briggs was pretty basic.  From memory, all it had was The Grill (beer and some food, lots of character) an arcade/pool hall, basement study area .. main floor was a big cafeteria and lots of meeting rooms .. upper was a ballroom and more meeting rooms.  That was it.

The new union, while lacking in character, adds a ton more stuff.   Would a few more chain restaurants really pack em in?  More is better, one could argue.

I would be interested in hearing what the specific complaints were from donors (or whoever) who were "unhappy" with the way the new union turned out -- and if they remained so, after a few years with the many renovations that occurred .. that place hardly looks like it did 17 years ago, as they've added a ton more functionality.

I think it's a matter of whim.  I had friends who all hung out at the old union, but my wife just said she never did.  To each his own. -- But clearly, the new union has a large following in daytime.  At night, kids are probably in their dorm room playing Xbox in their own room on their 56" plasmas while surfing porn on their own T1 line.  Hard to compete with that!

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Brooks Memorial Union.

I think a problem with the Alumni Memorial Union is that it was poorly designed. I have no idea why entrances are not located on Wisconsin Avenue and/or Wells Street. I'm sure security played a role on the Wells Street side, but still. The whole thing is kind of a monstrosity. I have a hard time believing that was part of any "master plan." The old union was definitely more of a hangout and I think a lot of that had to do with the location right in the middle of campus, with easy access. You have to actually go out of your way to go to the current union.

I also think the Weasler Auditorium was a waste of money.

The campus looks fantastic, it's just such a hodge podge.

[tower912]

Plus, they built the new Union on the spot I cracked my head open on a light pole while playing mud football one Friday afternoon my freshman year.   5 stitches.   Ah, memories.  Brooks was kind of anonymous and barren, but it was my union, so I have fond memories.  I remember seeing members of the Violent Femmes playing an acoustic set in the Mugrack.   I remember Chris Farley trying stand-up there.   I didn't think he was that great at stand-up.    Friday concerts in the basement ballroom.   The first BoDeans show I ever saw was there.  Being able to order a beer in the student union.    Extended study sessions in the main floor big room.   The new one is beautiful, but it isn't mine and as I only go there as an alum, my opinion isn't really relevant.

[77ncaachamps]

The campus looks fantastic, it's just such a hodge podge.

I agree with PRN on this one.

As a student, it didn't really smack of nonsense because I just wanted to get to class.

But as an MU tourguide (1994-1998), it was hard to explain why Brooks was empty and not really used (ROTC, PT, and clubs still used it albeit sparingly), why Lalumiere looks like that, and then tour the math/it building that was so shiny and new yet looked really different from the rest of the buildings. If there was one thing I would appreciate more is a campus that didn't have so many starkingly different buildings (in appearance).

I recently took the video tour of MU and I'm sure it looks even more different than before...esp. with the new Dentistry building and Raynor.

[drewm88]

Here is a bright idea, if students like Jimmy Johns or Subway, why not have those restaurants in the union??? The Pizza Hut just doesn't cut it, and same goes for the Marriott food service (or whatever is there now). Maybe toss a Starbucks or Jahmba Juice in the union.

There is a coffee shop in the AMU that is quite popular. There's also one on "The Bridge" which connects the 2 libraries, and that is almost always packed.

[nathanziarek]

I recently took the video tour of MU and I'm sure it looks even more different than before...esp. with the new Dentistry building and Raynor.

I disagree.

I think the new buildings really adhere to the fundamentals of the classic architecture on campus (Johnston Hall, Marquette Hall). The Raynor, to me, is a modern adaptation of MH, down to the contrasting brick / stone trim and the "refreshed" spires. I think both the dental school and "the Al" share that updated look.

As old buildings are torn down (Lalumiere, McCormick), I think the new buildings will tie the campus together -- visually -- even better.

Right now it is a little hodgepodge, but it is far nicer now than when I started in '98...At least to me...

[Avenue Commons]

I was just on campus for my reunion and noticed a placed called the "Dogg Haus" on Wells by Real Chili and what looked like a burrito place where the Blockbuster used to be on Wells. What's the deal with these places? I always thought that Jalisco's should have opened a late night burrito/taco counter on Wells. They would have made a killing. The George Webb seems like a positive upgrade over the Dairy Queen that used to be in that space.

[gjreda]

I was just on campus for my reunion and noticed a placed called the "Dogg Haus" on Wells by Real Chili and what looked like a burrito place where the Blockbuster used to be on Wells. What's the deal with these places? I always thought that Jalisco's should have opened a late night burrito/taco counter on Wells. They would have made a killing. The George Webb seems like a positive upgrade over the Dairy Queen that used to be in that space.

Dogg Haus opened up in the Fall of 2006.  It is a Chicago style hot dog place.  The thing about it is, you can get regular dogs and put whatever on it, but they have some specialty dogs like the Rome, which is a dog with mozzarella, italian beef, and giardenera.  Sounds weird but its pretty good.  There are like 8 specialty dogs which include ones with three different kinds of tabasco sauce, different mixes of cheeses, etc.  I really can't think of the rest because it's been closed pretty much all summer.  I think the place is pretty good, but is definitely overpriced.  They have another one on the east side of Milwaukee too.

The burrito place is actually Open Pantry.  They are moving from their location next to BookMarq over to the old Blockbuster area on 17th and Wells.  They are apparently supposed to have some sort of taco/burrito bar in the place too.  It's supposed to be opened in time for the start of the semester.

As for Webb's.  I don't know anyone that actually goes there.  I think that place is awful and it seems to be a common sentiment around campus.

[muwarrior87]

The AMU is utilized just about every weekend for late night events. During the week it can be a bit dead other than studying but I used Brooks Lounge to play pool on those nice tables every now and again and with the Annex, there really wasn't a need for another place on campus with that type of atmosphere. I haven't heard much recently about whate they're doing with that space. Can anyone fill me in?

[snakesinthesnoilet]

it's interesting how there never seems to be any diversity in the food places that open up around campus.  the most prominent theme being sub places (cousins, subway, jimmy john's) pizza places (angelo's, papa john's) and now burrito places (the burrito bar in the new open pantry and also the new burrito bar that ziggie's opened up about a year or so ago).  i tried the burrito bar by ziggie's once and it was awful.  i never see anyone in there and am starting to wonder how that must be affecting his business. i mean a greek guy trying to pull off mexican food is alittle ambitious in my opinion.  i don't have that high of hopes for the o.p. burrito stand either.  they should have just opened up a qudoba or chipotle in that spot and they would make a fortune!  dogg haus is always packed late at night when they're open just because its relatively cheap, alot better quality food than gyros and just a fresh change of pace from all the other crappy places to choose from that late at night.

this is one area that i actually (gulp) envy uwm.  they have so many great places to eat around that area it's ridiculous.  it's too bad mu has seemingly no interest in building up a quality dining area around campus.

[MilTown]

Don't get me started on Ziggies. I f'n hate that place and that guy. I cannot believe that he is still around, and that he has a burrito place now. That guy was the biggest tool. I mean, how can you charge extra for ketchup and mustard? He probably advertises a 99 cent burrito that consists of a tortilla and a couple pieces of steak. Sour cream, cheese, lettuce, salsa, tomato's, and beans are all an additional 50 cents each.

[Chili]

they should have just opened up a qudoba or chipotle in that spot and they would make a fortune!  dogg haus is always packed late at night when they're open just because its relatively cheap, alot better quality food than gyros and just a fresh change of pace from all the other crappy places to choose from that late at night.

this is one area that i actually (gulp) envy uwm.  they have so many great places to eat around that area it's ridiculous.  it's too bad mu has seemingly no interest in building up a quality dining area around campus.

The issue is year round population density to support these establishments. The East Side of Milwaukee can support these places as the vast majority of people who live there do year round. It is not just students who live around UWM as it also home to just regular residents. On the contrary, Marquette is a virtual ghost town for about 3.5 months a year when half of the population has to go home as they live in dorms.

[Avenue Commons]

they should have just opened up a qudoba or chipotle in that spot and they would make a fortune!  dogg haus is always packed late at night when they're open just because its relatively cheap, alot better quality food than gyros and just a fresh change of pace from all the other crappy places to choose from that late at night.

this is one area that i actually (gulp) envy uwm.  they have so many great places to eat around that area it's ridiculous.  it's too bad mu has seemingly no interest in building up a quality dining area around campus.

The issue is year round population density to support these establishments. The East Side of Milwaukee can support these places as the vast majority of people who live there do year round. It is not just students who live around UWM as it also home to just regular residents. On the contrary, Marquette is a virtual ghost town for about 3.5 months a year when half of the population has to go home as they live in dorms.

Marquette Gyros and Real Chili and Ziggie's (but not Ziggomania) have been around forever even with there not being a lot of students around and the reason is they offer at least decent food at a reasonable price. The problem with a lot of these places that go under are they just aren't very good. I've always said that a good late night burrito place on Marquette's campus (or any campus for that matter) would make a killing just on Thursday through Saturday night.

[Chili]

they should have just opened up a qudoba or chipotle in that spot and they would make a fortune!  dogg haus is always packed late at night when they're open just because its relatively cheap, alot better quality food than gyros and just a fresh change of pace from all the other crappy places to choose from that late at night.

this is one area that i actually (gulp) envy uwm.  they have so many great places to eat around that area it's ridiculous.  it's too bad mu has seemingly no interest in building up a quality dining area around campus.

The issue is year round population density to support these establishments. The East Side of Milwaukee can support these places as the vast majority of people who live there do year round. It is not just students who live around UWM as it also home to just regular residents. On the contrary, Marquette is a virtual ghost town for about 3.5 months a year when half of the population has to go home as they live in dorms.

Marquette Gyros and Real Chili and Ziggie's (but not Ziggomania) have been around forever even with there not being a lot of students around and the reason is they offer at least decent food at a reasonable price. The problem with a lot of these places that go under are they just aren't very good. I've always said that a good late night burrito place on Marquette's campus (or any campus for that matter) would make a killing just on Thursday through Saturday night.

Those are also established businesses. Real Chili has very low overhead and huge fan base even during lunch. Ziggy's and Gyro's are also staples. By adding in a new restaurant you are just diluting the profit pool by which these businesses draw from. There are only so many dollars to go around to support business. And the above mentioned make their money in 8 months to support the rest of the year. Marquette is really at a saturation point with restaurants.

[mu_hilltopper]

Yeah, it's funny to hear complaints about a lack of dining options.   You would have been really mad 15 years ago, when your choices would have been HALF what they are today.

[Phi Iota Gamma 84]

Marquette Gyros and Real Chili and Ziggie's (but not Ziggomania) have been around forever even with there not being a lot of students around and the reason is they offer at least decent food at a reasonable price.....
[/quote]

Add Angelos to that list, man do I miss those little pepperonis

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Don't get me started on Ziggies. I f'n hate that place and that guy. I cannot believe that he is still around, and that he has a burrito place now. That guy was the biggest tool. I mean, how can you charge extra for ketchup and mustard? He probably advertises a 99 cent burrito that consists of a tortilla and a couple pieces of steak. Sour cream, cheese, lettuce, salsa, tomato's, and beans are all an additional 50 cents each.

"what, you don't want a breast.  you no like-e the small breast?  let me smoke a cigarette while I cook for you."

A really good way to piss Ziggy off is to try to take your picture with him.   8)

[MilTown]

I know a guy who brought a bottle of ketchup into Ziggys. I guess Ziggy flipped his lid and almost took a swing at my buddy. I think I also remember somebody slashing the tires on his lincoln. Anything you ordered took about a half hour to make and the whole time Ziggy wants to hear your view on world events and argue with you. What a freak that guy was. 

[Avenue Commons]

Those are also established businesses. Real Chili has very low overhead and huge fan base even during lunch. Ziggy's and Gyro's are also staples. By adding in a new restaurant you are just diluting the profit pool by which these businesses draw from. There are only so many dollars to go around to support business. And the above mentioned make their money in 8 months to support the rest of the year. Marquette is really at a saturation point with restaurants.
[/quote]

Overhead, profit pools, saturation points? What is this, a Marquetting lecture at Straz Hall or a basketball message board!

[muwarrior87]

Those are also established businesses. Real Chili has very low overhead and huge fan base even during lunch. Ziggy's and Gyro's are also staples. By adding in a new restaurant you are just diluting the profit pool by which these businesses draw from. There are only so many dollars to go around to support business. And the above mentioned make their money in 8 months to support the rest of the year. Marquette is really at a saturation point with restaurants.

Overhead, profit pools, saturation points? What is this, a Marquetting lecture at Straz Hall or a basketball message board!
[/quote]

Nice use of Marquette in Marketing!  lol

[spartan3186]

I don't know how valid this is, but a friend in the know told me that one of the problems with getting more diverse places on campus is some of the leases that Marquette gives out. Apparently when George Webb's game in part of the contract said that Marquette was not allowed to lease out any building on Well's to a hamburger place (supposedly Webb's big seller but personally I only go there for breakfast). I guess a couple of places wanted to go into the blockbuster but they were hamburger sellers so Marquette could not rent to them... I find that kinda interesting

[muole]

I was there from 98-02 and I used the union quite a bit.  I'll always remember pulling all-nights during finals, going outside in the cold to smoke cigarettes as the sun came up and i was on my forth cup of coffee.

I also frequented the Brew Bayou during my freshman and sophomore years.

used the chapel in the union for sunday night masses, too.


come to think of it, I actually think that while unspectacular, the AMU is quite functional for many campus uses.

[snakesinthesnoilet]

I don't know how valid this is, but a friend in the know told me that one of the problems with getting more diverse places on campus is some of the leases that Marquette gives out. Apparently when George Webb's game in part of the contract said that Marquette was not allowed to lease out any building on Well's to a hamburger place (supposedly Webb's big seller but personally I only go there for breakfast). I guess a couple of places wanted to go into the blockbuster but they were hamburger sellers so Marquette could not rent to them... I find that kinda interesting

I have also heard this and that might explain why it was so hard to find a suitor for the old blockbuster considering this location is prime real estate (corner of 17th and wells right on a college campus).  The new Open Pantry looks pretty nice so far but it is still just an OP. 

[Chili]

I don't know how valid this is, but a friend in the know told me that one of the problems with getting more diverse places on campus is some of the leases that Marquette gives out. Apparently when George Webb's game in part of the contract said that Marquette was not allowed to lease out any building on Well's to a hamburger place (supposedly Webb's big seller but personally I only go there for breakfast). I guess a couple of places wanted to go into the blockbuster but they were hamburger sellers so Marquette could not rent to them... I find that kinda interesting

I have also heard this and that might explain why it was so hard to find a suitor for the old blockbuster considering this location is prime real estate (corner of 17th and wells right on a college campus).  The new Open Pantry looks pretty nice so far but it is still just an OP. 

But it will have a beer cave too.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

why is OP moving?  is the blockbuster smaller?  There is a ton of wasted space in the current op.

Mu also charges a $hit ton of money for their leases too.  That's partially why the coffee shop moved out of campus town in 99-00.