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. 

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.

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.

West Lounge

We’re excited to share what’s coming next for the West Lounge! Upcoming improvements include a Welcome Desk refresh, new furniture, and a full painting update to enhance the look and feel of the space.


Lighting has already been upgraded, and the new design will feature subtle nods to Carolina throughout.

Aquarium Lounge

Updates are on the way for the Aquarium Lounge! Planned improvements include new paint, updated furniture, and new wall vinyl and art pieces to refresh and elevate the space.

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