Nov. 29, 2001

Contact: Maren Oates (509-963-2816/fax 509-963-3301/e-mail: oatesm@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The Seattle architecture firm of BJSS Duarte Bryant, in association with Ellerbe Beckett, which also has offices in Seattle, has been selected for Central Washington University’s $60 million student union and recreation building projects.

“The selection process was highly competitive with 11 very qualified teams submitting qualifications for the project,” Maren Oates, CWU facilities planning and construction services assistant, says. “Five firms were selected for interviews. The selection committee, made up of three students and four staff members, had a tough decision, but felt that BJSS had the leadership to make this project a success.”

In addition to the Ellensburg projects, BJSS is also project architect for CWU’s new higher education center at Edmonds Community College, as well as the student union at Seattle University and the recreation center at Western Washington University.

Ellerbe Beckett has also been involved nationwide on a number recreation centers, arenas and student unions.

“Their experience with other non-academic higher education projects was an important factor,” Oates points out. “The committee especially liked the process they outlined for working with various constituents, especially students, who are the owners of these buildings.”

Following contract negotiations will be site verification, and then detailed programming and schematic design, she adds.

The recreation facility is scheduled to open in 2004 and the student union building in 2006.