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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Carolina Union

Building Updates

The Carolina Union is always growing – and that means occasional upgrades, renovations, and improvements to the spaces you know and love. This page is your go-to source for the latest on what’s changing, what’s closing temporarily, and what’s coming soon. Check back often for updates or follow us on Instagram at @carolinaunion so you never miss a thing. 

For more information regarding the Union’s roofing project, please click here.

Aquarium Lounge

The Aquarium Lounge has a fresh new look! The space has been repainted, and new furniture has been installed, including new study tables, chairs, and side tables with built-in outlets. Still on the way: new wall vinyl and art pieces to further refresh and elevate the space.

8/31/2026

New chairs in the Union's Aquarium Lounge following 2026 renovations.
New chairs in the Union's Aquarium Lounge following 2026 renovations.

Great Hall

New chairs have arrived in the Great Hall! The new seating was chosen with Carolina in mind – a blue that reflects the tradition and pride of the school. These chairs will support the wide range of events held in the space, from award ceremonies to lectures and beyond.

8/31/2026

New chairs in the Great Hall in the Union.
New chairs in the Great Hall in the Union.

Meeting Rooms

Meeting rooms across the Union are now updated! Our largest and most-used rooms have been refurbished with new paint, flooring, and furniture. This includes the meeting rooms that will be used by Undergraduate Admissions, a new tenant in the Union – these spaces also feature new wall vinyl highlighting the journey of the Carolina student.

8/31/2026

Updated paint and flooring in meeting room 3206 A/B.
Updated paint, flooring, and vinyl in room 2418 in the Union.
Updated paint, flooring, and vinyl in room 2424 in the Union.

Painting

A painting refresh will take place from May 11–June 5. During this time, you may notice crews working in various areas of the building.


The Union will remain open, but some spaces may have temporary disruptions or limited access as work is completed.

Vinyl

A fresh new look is coming to the Union! New vinyl installations will bring Carolina spirit, fun nods to student life, and improved wayfinding throughout the building.


7/27/2026: 

The first large-scale installation is now complete at the South Road entrance, with even more updates coming soon!


West Lounge

Over Fall Break 2026, the Carolina Union gave the West Lounge a fresh new look. Tar Heel spirit runs throughout the space, and new seating at varied heights welcomes groups of every size, whether you’re studying solo or catching up over lunch.

Photos of West Lounge furniture update in the Carolina Union.
Photos of West Lounge furniture update in the Carolina Union.
Photos of West Lounge furniture update in the Carolina Union.
Photos of West Lounge furniture update in the Carolina Union.

West Lounge Bathrooms 

3/16/2026: 

We’re giving the West Lounge bathrooms a well-deserved refresh! Beginning the week of Spring Break (March 16), both the men’s and women’s restrooms in the West Lounge will be temporarily closed while renovations are underway. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve the space. Please see the maps below to find the nearest available restrooms. 


Map of the first floor of the Carolina Union, showing the path to the women's bathroom (left of the stairs and elevator), the men's bathroom (right from the stairs and left from the elevator), and gender neutral restroom (left from the stairs and elevator, past the women's room).
Map of the second floor of the Carolina Union, showing the out of order restrooms and the paths to other floors. Stairs are to the right of the restrooms and the elevator is past the welcome desk.
Map of the third floor of the Carolina Union, showing the path to the women's bathroom (left of the stairs and elevator) and the men's bathroom (right from the stairs and the elevator).


4/30/2026:

We’re continuing progress on the West Lounge bathroom refresh! Floor and wall tile installation is now underway in both the men’s and women’s restrooms, and lighting upgrades have been completed.

While the space remains closed to guests, we’re excited to share a preview of the progress below. More design details are still to come, including subtle nods to Carolina throughout the space.

Thank you for your continued patience as we complete these improvements.


Stripped walls and flooring that are prepared for new tiling in the West Lounge bathrooms.
New tile being placed on the walls of the West Lounge bathroom.
Lower wall tiles completed in the West Lounge bathrooms.


5/13/2026:

The West Lounge bathroom refresh is continuing to take shape! Tile work is now complete in both the men’s and women’s restrooms – including a nod to UNC’s iconic argyle – and painting is currently underway. Up next, partition installation.


Completed floor and wall tile in the West Lounge bathroom.
Completed floor and wall tile in the West Lounge bathroom.
Completed floor and wall tile in the West Lounge bathroom.


6/3/2026:

Bathroom renovations are nearing the finish line! Painting is complete, countertops have been installed, stall partitions are going up, and the Carolina touches are already coming together nicely.

Welcome Desk

Coming soon: A refreshed look for the Welcome Desk.

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