Boeing donated a 10-unit modular cafeteria complex of approximately 7,200 square feet to the tribe.
“The opportunity to secure and relocate this cafeteria complex was brought to our attention by the WSU Extension Energy Program’s Plant Operations Support Consortium,” said Ray Peters, executive director of the Squaxin Island Tribe. “This will save us more than $250,000 and make a real difference in our community programming.”
The tribe is an active member of the WSU Consortium and learned of this cafeteria complex — declared surplus by Boeing — from the WSU Extension Energy Program. This put Boeing’s acceptance of the grant proposal and the donation of this complex to the tribe into motion as a public service.
“We saw this as a great opportunity to repurpose a building the company wasn’t using anymore and help a tribal community that was in need of such a facility. Instead of being demolished and ending up in a landfill, this building will serve youth, seniors and other members of the Squaxin tribe,” said Liz Warman, director of Boeing Global Corporate Citizenship in the Northwest.
The complex is scheduled to be removed from its current Boeing location on East Marginal Way in Seattle between now and Aug. 20. The units will be separated, prepped and transported to a site between the Squaxin Tribal Center and the heath/athletic center.
The 300-person capacity cafeteria complex will be reconstructed in its original configuration on Squaxin Island Tribal land.
“We are thrilled to contribute to this collaboration and such a positive result,” said Bob MacKenzie, manager of the consortium at the WSU Extension Energy Program.
Jake Fey, director of the WSU Extension Energy Program, added. “This is a good example of how a corporation like Boeing can assist a regional program – such as the Squaxin Island Tribe, and how WSU can serve as the facilitator to help make it happen.”
According to Peters, commissioning of the complex is set to happen sometime in October, and there will be a traditional Tribal event to celebrate.
“Tribal professionals have partnered with Boeing, WSU and others to work the issues, prepare the site and perform the appropriate measures to make this offering a practical reality,” said Peters.