Gonzaga University
John J. Hemmingson Building
To fulfill Gonzaga University’s objective to encourage collaboration and activities that support social, academic and spiritual growth, Bernardo|Wills Architects, in association with Opsis Architecture, designed a signature student services building that offers myriad interactive spaces. Multiple venues – from the lively Bulldog Pub to the tranquil sunlit reflection room – allow the Gonzaga community to connect in scheduled or serendipitous gatherings in spaces that range from those that are highly public to others offering desired privacy.
Certified LEED Gold, the four-level facility was completed via the design-build method. A significant challenge – the long, narrow site in the center of campus – was turned into a design opportunity by making the building highly prominent on all four sides. Amenities housed in the center include student clubs and organizations; multi-level, multi-venue dining; retail facilities; the University Ministry, the Center for Global Engagement; an 800-plus-seat dividable multipurpose gathering space; an auditorium featuring tiered seating for 200; study and media lounges; movable workspaces; GU Outdoors, a recreational services and equipment center; a 1,000-square-foot rooftop hydroponic greenhouse used to supply campus dining services; and a bike shop for service and repairs.
Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center
This new performing arts center is a transformative addition to the Gonzaga University campus. The state-of-the-art multi-venue performance facility hosts theater, music, and dance productions while honoring Myrtle Woldson, whose generous gift made the center possible.
To address the university’s desire for the building to encourage creativity, collaboration, and engagement, Bernardo Wills Architects, in association with Pfeiffer Partners, sited the LEED Silver structure in a prominent, highly visible location where faculty, students, and staff can see and easily access the center.
The design aesthetic was influenced by the building site and local/regional landscape features. Due to zoning-code height restrictions and the natural slope of the site, the stage (by far the tallest building element) was located below-grade. This allows the public lobby to overlook the Spokane River and enhances overall visibility both from and to the building. Material selection was based on primary masonry materials used throughout the university campus and the Woldsons’ fondness for the copper steeple of the nearby Jundt Art Museum.
Spaces housed in the center include:
a multi-level lobby
a two-level, 759-seat multipurpose theater and concert hall
a 130-seat recital hall/rehearsal space for music and dance
the Woldson Collection, which showcases artifacts and digital displays celebrating Myrtle Woldson’s life, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy
a multidisciplinary design studio
four performer dressing rooms, a wardrobe room, and a green room
ticketing and administrative offices
Bernardo Wills Architects also supplied landscape design services for this project.
