Work about to begin on new Multicultural Center

December 11, 2017

The much anticipated creation of a new Multicultural Center is about to begin. The project expands the Ethnic Student Center, provides new offices for three AS Student Resource and Outreach Programs and a home for Multicultural Services, and is slated for completion in June 2019.

Before construction begins in earnest, a few relocations will take place. Preparations to move the Bookstore to a temporary location in the VU Multipurpose Room (MPR) will begin during winter break. The actual move will occur in February and will require closure of the Bookstore for a few days in early February. The Bookstore will remain in the MPR during project construction; entry doors will be off High Street.

The east side of the VU MPR will be renovated to accommodate a permanent home for Vendor’s Row. Preparation for this move will also begin during winter break; vendors will remain in operation in their current locations until the new location is complete and approved for occupancy.

The overall project scope includes:

  • Demolition of the Bookstore roof and mezzanine, and extension of VU Level 7 from KUGS over the main VU entry below to create an additional full floor above the existing Bookstore
  • New and expanded home for the Ethnic Student Center (approximately five times the existing size) and new Resource Library
  • New offices for three AS Students Resource and Outreach Programs (ROP): Womxn’s Identity Resource Center/Queer Resource Center/Disability Outreach Center
  • Home for Multicultural Services, administrative support staff for student/faculty/staff
  • Expanded VU lobby with new main entry to the Bookstore and an expanded reception area for the VU MPR
  • Conversion of Bookstore from three levels to two
  • Minor modifications to KUGS entry and work areas to accommodate the additional functions on Level 7

Additional information and an FAQ on this project can be found at http://www.wwu.edu/wwuarchitect/construction/pw698_faq.shtml; for more info, contact Project Manager, Forest Payne at 650-3218, forest.payne@wwu.edu, or go to the Facilities Development and Capital Budget Office web site at http://www.wwu.edu/wwuarchitect/construction/pw698.shtml.