By Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities
RICHLAND, Wash. – The Washington State University Board of Regents voted unanimously Friday morning to approve the schematic design for a WSU Tri-Cities student union building during its meeting on the Tri-Cities campus.
Construction is anticipated to begin this summer, with completion planned for the start of the school year in fall 2017. The 6,250 square-feet, $5.73 million facility will include study, leisure and meeting spaces for students.
“We are excited to be moving forward and starting construction on our first student union building,” said Vanessa Alvarez Sanchez, president of the Associated Students of WSU Tri-Cities. “It is a design that meets the needs of student life on campus.”
The ASWSU Tri-Cities voted in spring 2014 to approve a $100 per academic semester student union fee. In February 2015, an additional $50 per academic semester was added.
The fee generates approximately $390,000 per year to fund the remaining $4.3 million cost for the project, in addition to maintenance and operating expenses.
“The approval of the design for the building is a true testament to the dedication and hard work of the students at WSU Tri-Cities,” said Chris Meiers, vice chancellor of enrollment management and student services. “We look forward to having a space designed and dedicated specifically to the student experience, the first of its kind on the WSU Tri-Cities campus.”