Memorial Union Roof Replacement Project Status

Main Entrance Closure

The main entrance under the tower will be temporarily closed on Thursday 5/21 while a lift accesses the roof. Additional updates and signage will be provided to help direct visitors and building users during this temporary closure. 

Project Status: Active 
Current Phase: Pre-project staging and upcoming Phase 1 work 
Last Updated: May 2026 

The Memorial Union roof replacement project is underway. This page will provide regular updates about project status, parking impacts, building access, entrance closures, safety measures, and phase-by-phase construction activity. 

Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and cooperation while this important renovation work is completed. 

Current Project Update 

Over the next two weeks, project materials will continue arriving and being staged behind the Memorial Union. Building users and visitors should expect temporary changes to parking, entrances, and access routes during different phases of the project. 

Cones, barriers, fencing, and signage will be in place throughout the project to support safety and wayfinding. Please follow all posted signs and avoid restricted construction areas. 

Parking and Access Impacts

Parking 

Parking behind the Memorial Union remains closed, except for the upper tiers of the 45-minute visitor/customer lot. 

Visitors, customers, departments, and building partners who need parking accommodations should contact the project contacts listed below. 

Loading Dock 

The Memorial Union loading dock remains open at this time. 

Main Entrance Under the Tower 

The main entrance under the tower will be temporarily closed on Thursday 5/21 while a lift accesses the roof. 

Additional updates and signage will be provided to help direct visitors and building users during this temporary closure. 

Phase 1: May 18–May 22 

Roofing work is scheduled to begin over the south end of the building, near the Union Square side. 

Expected Impacts During Phase 1 

  • Roofing work is expected Monday through Friday. 
  • Noise should be expected daily from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 
  • Access to the back Memorial Union entrances and bus circle doors will be closed for entry. 
  • Total Image Hair Salon entrance will remain accessible for salon use only. 
  • Bus circle doors on the 2nd floor south end will remain available for emergency exit only. 
  • Other 1st floor doors on the west side/Union Square side will remain available for emergency exit only. 
Map and photo showing Memorial Union exterior doors affected by Phase 1 roof replacement work, with doors in the marked area designated for emergency use only.

Phase 1 Access Impact Map 

The highlighted area shows exterior doors affected during Phase 1. Doors in this area will be available for emergency exit only unless otherwise noted.

View impact map

Phase 2: May 25–May 29 

Phase 2 is expected to continue the access and parking impacts from Phase 1. 

Additional Expected Impacts During Phase 2 

  • The Total Image Salon entrance door will also be closed. 
  • This closure is expected to continue into Phase 3. 

Additional updates will be shared as more information becomes available. 

Map and photos showing Memorial Union exterior doors affected by Phase 2 roof replacement work, including marked emergency-use-only doors and temporary entrance impacts.

Phase 2 Access Impact Map

The highlighted area shows additional entrance impacts expected during Phase 2, including the Total Image Salon entrance closure. 

View impact map

Safety and Wayfinding 

For the safety of students, staff, faculty, visitors, customers, vendors, and construction crews, please observe all temporary barriers and signage during the roof replacement project. 

Throughout the project, you may see: 

  • Cones 
  • Barriers 
  • Fencing 
  • Directional signage 
  • Temporary entrance and access notices 
  • Construction staging areas behind the Memorial Union 

Please do not enter restricted construction areas or move safety equipment. 

Accessibility and Accommodation Requests 

The Memorial Union team understands that temporary access changes may affect students, staff, faculty, visitors, customers, vendors, and building partners. 

If you need an accommodation related to parking, deliveries, building access, or another project impact, please contact the project contacts listed below. 

Project Contacts 

For accommodation needs or questions related to the Memorial Union roof replacement project, please contact: 

Olavo Goncalves
Assistant Director, Office of Union Operations
olavojr@uri.edu
401.874.5283 

Melissa Boyd-Colvin 
Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Director of the Memorial Union 
mboyd@uri.edu
401.874.2726