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As far as I know, there's a possibility that there was not a major donor to this project and may just be named something generic. But yes, I called it the new "arts & sciences building" since it will house professors for the college mostly. Remember, there is minimal classroom space in this building (approximately four classrooms and some shared space) and will mostly be professor and administrator offices.

Did I see somewhere that they hope to have the building done -- and occupied -- by the time classes start next January?  If so, that tells me that maybe the administration has plans to knock down Huegli next spring and then start on the new dorm that I understand will be going in that spot.  Perhaps President Heckler will address this during one of his upcoming talks.  VU72, are you going?  If so, can you (or anyone else on this board) fill us in on what President Heckler had to say?  Thanks, Paul  ps and maybe you can ask him when the new track will be installed!  We've waited long enough! 

I haven't heard that, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were trying to get this building done as soon as possible (and from the looks of it, it seems as if it could be done by January at the rate it's going). And please, 72, ask about the track!! It still baffles me.

Whoa, thanks for the update valpopal! It's coming along nicely! 

Okinawa,

Is there a web cam for the new academic building going up next to the library?  Thanks, Paul

Nope, there's not. There's also very little mention of this project on the university website. However, please see the thread about the building where hopefully we can get updates from those in the area.

I'm not sure how far along this project is since there is not only no webcam or project page, there is no mention of this building on Valpo's website (other than the announcement). When I stopped by the site in January, the foundation was coming along nicely. Does anyone have updates on this project?

We are playing in the CIT, just in case others didn't know since it wasn't mentioned.

VU addition will add lab, demonstration space
http://www.nwi.com/articles/2009/04/02/news/porter/doc7a297123da1b0cdd8625758c0003cb3c.txt

The exterior is almost complete, with a projected completion date of Fall 2011.

Once a center for campus social activities, the site of Valparaiso University's recently demolished old union will soon find a new purpose as a center for learning. Valparaiso University is starting construction this October on a new building that will strengthen Valpo's academic program by supporting the work of its faculty members and facilitating greater interaction between students and their professors.

The University's Board of Directors has approved construction of a three-story, 52,000-square-foot academic building that will add classroom space and consolidate faculty offices in the College of Arts and Sciences. The new building follows the construction of three other buildings in supporting Valpo's vibrant learning environment: the nearly completed Heritage Hall reconstruction project for the School of Law, the Donald V. Fites Engineering Innovation Center and the recently opened Harre Union.

President Mark Heckler said the investment of approximately $18.75 million in the new building will enhance Valpo's academic quality and support the personal character of the University's learning environment.

"Valpo's faculty members are widely recognized for being outstanding teachers who are dedicated to helping each student learn and develop a sense of purpose," said Heckler. "The new academic building will support their work and strengthen the quality of our students' educational experience."

Several academic departments in the College of Arts and Sciences will have faculty offices in the new building, in addition to classrooms and administrative offices for the college. Construction of the academic building, which is scheduled for completion in April 2012, will be followed by the renovation of classroom and faculty offices in Meier Hall for Valpo's Department of Education. The department will move from Miller Hall, which will be razed along with Huegli Hall.

Construction will begin immediately to ensure the project is well under way before the onset of winter, and a gathering to bless the project and celebrate its commencement is being planned for later this fall. Details about this event will follow shortly.

Jon Kilpinen, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the project will foster greater departmental unity by moving faculty into a central location on campus, while at the same time encouraging more student-faculty interaction by housing faculty offices and classrooms together.

"Our students and faculty will benefit from the greater collaboration between departments and from additional opportunities for one-on-one interaction," Kilpinen said. "The new academic building also will support interdisciplinary innovation as the University explores exciting new academic programs."

The academic building, combined with the University's three ongoing or recently completed projects, represent a more than $110 million investment in the overall quality of the Valpo experience since 2006, Heckler said.

"Combined with our outstanding faculty and staff who help each student chart a unique educational path, this project will ensure Valpo continues to offer a superior learning environment," Heckler said.

EHDD, the architectural firm for the award-winning Christopher Center, also designed the new academic building.