The time has come and the university is excited to invite students, faculty staff and the public to a preview of the newly renovated Pence Union Building (PUB) this Friday, Oct. 26.
“The PUB has been transformed into an open and inviting student union that helps define our campus culture,” said EWU President Mary Cullinan. “We can’t wait to show off this inspiring, state-of-the-art hub for student life!”
The festivities will begin at noon with a ribbon cutting, and then EWU will host an open house until 4 p.m. During the preview, you will have a chance to tour the renovated facility, sample foods and snacks, and see how the PUB will serve as a vibrant student center for years to come.
To showcase how the PUB will be a wonderful community gathering place and inclusive centerpiece of student interaction, Eastern has several exciting things planned so people can experience the new facility. Activities include:
- Live Music
- Give Aways (for first 100 people and first 500 people)
- Tours
- PUB Passport with Prizes
- Eagle Store Pop-Up Shop
- Photo Booth
- History Gallery
- Experience new food options and enjoy refreshments
The remodeled PUB utilizes the footprint of the original 120,000-square-foot building built in 1968, and includes 4,000-square-feet of additional space. It looks like an entirely new structure with large glass windows at the entrances that infuse the building with natural light and provide visitors with great visibility to the adjoining campus mall.
Amenities will include meeting rooms and office space, a technology center, printing stations, laptop checkout kiosk, a gaming lounge, a commuter lounge and gender-neutral bathrooms.
In addition to being the headquarters for various student organizations and EWU Student Life, the PUB will be home to the university’s new Multicultural Center, the rebranded Eagle Store (Bookstore) and other important student resources like the new campus food pantry.
The $30 million construction contract is being completed by Spokane general contractor Leone & Keeble, Inc., which has done other big projects on the Eastern campus in recent years, including the renovation of Patterson Hall and the construction of the residence hall snyamncut. Overall, including consulting, design and predesign, furnishings and equipment, the PUB renovation is a $47 million project.
After the event, the PUB will remain closed as renovations continue. Eastern is working with the contractor every day to ensure the renovation project will be completely finished and ready to serve campus for winter quarter.
We look forward to seeing many of you for this big day on Friday and thank you for continued patience and support.
