Aprocess that has been ongoing for more than two years will finally come to a close this fall.

Construction on Downing Student Union is scheduled to be complete by August 22. Dan Chaney, project manager of Capital Construction, said much progress has been made in the past four months.

“We’ve reached about 75 percent completion on the overall project,” Chaney said. 

Offices and facilities on the side facing Centennial Mall — including RedZone, the food court and Nite Class, a multipurpose performing venue — are currently under construction.

Last month, the grand staircase in DSU was unveiled. Chaney said he was glad to show it off.

“It turned out beautiful, as I hope everybody agrees,” Chaney said. “We’re excited to reveal the rest of the building in August. It’s going to be just as grand, I think.” 

Bryan Russell, director of Planning, Design and Construction, said the general contractor, Whittenberg Construction, reported no schedule delay in the renovation deadline.

“I don’t have anybody telling me at this point that it’s not going to be done,” Russell said.

Over the summer, the Topper Café building on South Lawn will be removed. Steve Hoyng, resident district manager for Aramark, said Chick-fil-A and Papa John’s will move to DSU. Izzi’s and Topper Grille will be removed, and the latter will be replaced with Steak ‘n Shake. The Izzi’s location at Garrett food court will remain open.

Russell said he feels good about the renovation process overall. 

“I think people will be really impressed when they get to use the building after such a short time,” Russell said.