The Cone University Center was completed in 1962. By the time the first addition was finished in 1976 the student population had increased to 8,290. In 2001, the student body had significantly outgrown the Cone University Center and with enrollment exceeding 18,000 (and growing), there was an obvious need for a larger, more accessible, and student friendly Student Union. In August 2009, when the 196,000 square foot Student Union opens, the population is expected to be over 24,000 students.

In 1997, it was originally decided that the Cone University Center would undergo an extensive renovation. Sasaki Associates, Inc., a Boston-based architectural firm with a history of successful and innovative Student Union work was hired to handle program and design. It did not take long for everyone involved to realize that a renovation – regardless of the extent – would not meet campus needs. After debate, the decision was made to build a new student union. Sasaki’s contract was modified and they immediately began work on program development for a student union. In 2003, The FWA Group, a North Carolina based firm with design experience in 15 states, the District of Columbia, and three Canadian provinces, partnering with Sasaki Associates was selected to design the Student Union.

During this process, the first decision to be made related to location of the new building: should the current site be retained or were there other options? An extensive sector study was conducted which reached the conclusion to situate the union on Craver road. The site of the Student Union is ideal, with Residence halls to the North and the College of Education as well as the College of Health and Human Services to the south.

As a further result of the sector study, the decision to locate a new parking deck west of the union site was finalized. Connecting it to the union was important as was the need to span a steep drop in topography to the North. To accommodate both, the plans included an elevated walkway from the parking deck to the first floor of the Student Union and the construction of a 300 foot long timber bridge to be placed north of the site to physically connect with the Residence Halls. Both the parking deck and the bridge will help to provide ample student traffic to the building at all times.

During the design phase of the Student Union the following elements were deemed important:

1. Exterior design must be consistent with University parameters
2. Design must relate to already existing and future facility designs
3. Simplicity of the design elements should have emphasis on economic and timely construction
4. Interior finishes must be appropriate for the intended use of the Student Union
5. All HVAC, electrical, technology, and communication must be effective and efficient
6. Consideration given for the life cycle costs of architectural and engineering features

Design was completed in July of 2006 and Balfour Beatty (previously Centex Construction) came on board as the construction manager in September of that year.

On April 18, 2007 the pavement breaking ceremony took place and construction was underway. The UNC Charlotte Student Union is set for an August 2009 Grand Opening.