Update on maintenance building closure and campus building projects
June 23, 2006
Lacey, Wash. –– Recently, during an inspection of the maintenance
building in the center of the Saint Martin’s University campus, the City
of Lacey determined that the building was structurally unsound and
ordered that it be vacated. The building, which housed, in addition to
maintenance and custodial functions, the campus bookstore, mechanical
engineering labs, an old boiler and some Abbey offices, has now been
closed for occupancy. In a flurry of activity, the bookstore was moved
to temporary quarters in Old Main and plans were developed to create
space for maintenance, storage, and engineering labs.
On Thursday, June 22, the Board of Trustees approved Phase I of a
three phase plan. Phase I includes building a new multipurpose building
that will house heavy mechanical engineering labs, maintenance and
custodial functions and contain significant storage space. The building
will be located on the west side of Baran Drive near the residence
halls. To provide for the remainder of the mechanical engineering labs,
an industrial space on Ruddell Road near the Pavilion has been leased.
In addition Phase I will provide for demolition of the old maintenance
building and smokestack, the current modular storage unit and
landscaping of both sites. Work on Phase I will commence in July and be
completed by September, 2006.
Planning will go forward for Phase II and III over the next two
months. Phase II calls for a new building to house the bookstore as well
as engineering classrooms and mechanical engineering labs. This building
will be located on the north side of Baran Drive southeast of the
current engineering building, Cebula Hall, and would be completed by
August, 2007. Phase III provides for space for the admissions office.
The location of this project is yet to be determined. The Board will
review plans for Phase II in September.
Most of Phases I and II will be funded through gifts recently
received in unrestricted bequests to the University along with other
contributions.
For more information:
Holly Harmon
Director of communication
(360) 438-4332
hharmon@stmartin.edu