 Since 2008 , the building has housed Yale Union ( YU ) , a contemporary arts center . Alter LLC , associated with the Monfort Family Foundation , purchased the building for $ 3 @.@ 5 million and intended to fund renovations and operations until the arts center generated revenue on its own . Renovations costing an additional $ 7 @.@ 2 million , also funded by Alter , included a bookstore and cafe , a 100 @-@ seat room . The center was officially unveiled in November 2010 with a renovated kitchen and additional improvements planned . More than 600 people attended YU 's first public exhibit in May 2011 . 
