Construction on Student Development & Success Center Begins March 24
Construction for the new student development and success center, located at the south end of the academic core of campus, begins March 24. Completion is expected in fall of 2027. The new 29,000-square-foot building will serve as a welcoming front door for Western and a hub for student services that support access, belonging, and success. Notices about construction impacts will be sent to the campus community as needed, and updates will be available on the Facilities Development & Operations construction impact page.
Construction
- Safety fencing will go up during spring break, enclosing Flag Plaza and parking lot 19G, both of which will remain closed for the duration of construction.
- In April and early May, work will focus on demolition, site clearing, ground improvement, set up, and installation of temporary utilities.
- Expect intermittent construction noise.
- Regular construction hours will be 8 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday. Notifications will be sent ahead of construction occurring outside regular hours.
- Several mature trees within the construction zone will need to be removed. New trees will be planted on campus to replace those removed for construction.
- Flag poles and flags will be stored during construction.
- At this time, we will not be able to fly institutional or affinity flags, but we are continuing to look for alternative options during the construction period.
- The flag poles will be refurbished and reinstalled after construction is done.
Parking
- Parking lot 19G will officially close March 21.
- 19G permit holders will be relocated to parking lot 12G.
- Additional information about parking permits for employees can be found on the Transportation Services employee permits web page.
Traffic
- Pedestrian traffic will be rerouted on paths to the east and west of the site.
- A bicycle dismount zone will be established on both paths.
- Crosswalks from Bill McDonald Parkway and South College Drive will remain open, but the sidewalk at the south end of the site will be closed.
- Flaggers will direct traffic when trucks are entering and leaving the site.
- Truck traffic may cause delays on Bill McDonald Parkway and East, West, and South College Drives.
The student success center will be a true gathering place, with a welcome center, flexible event and work areas, collaboration spaces, a study cafe, and a variety of advising and support services. The new welcome center will provide a meeting place for campus tours, interactive displays to learn about Western, and the opportunity to meet with current students. The presence of key student services in the same building will support current students and help prospective students and their families envision their educational path. The center will serve both to welcome new members to our community and to support students throughout their educational journey at Western and beyond.