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My Willamette

Investing in our campus

In 2021, Willamette began a three-year $28 million project to address infrastructure improvements in key buildings on Willamette’s historic Salem campus. This ambitious initiative underscores our commitment to fostering a safe and comfortable environment that allows our students to thrive.

The work, completed by both Willamette Facilities staff and private contractors, began in the summer of 2021 and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024. Some projects tackle ongoing building maintenance that is necessary to protect university investments in the existing infrastructure on campus. Other projects are an exciting step forward in Willamette’s dedication to adopting sustainable practices and materials wherever possible. In addition to updating buildings to add important safety features, many projects are focused on energy, water and cost-saving efficiencies.

  • Significant improvements were completed to the boiler system in Matthews Hall
    Significant improvements were completed to the boiler system in Matthews Hall
  • The work on the Matthews Hall boiler was completed as part of the Boiler Plant Decentralization Phase 1
    The work on the Matthews Hall boiler was completed as part of the Boiler Plant Decentralization Phase 1
  • Lights and sound baffles were replaced in Cone Field House
    Lights and sound baffles were replaced in Cone Field House
  • The Baxter Hall roof received a much needed replacement.
    The Baxter Hall roof received a much needed replacement.
  • Sparks Athletic Center entry received a new entry system and replaced the steps, sidewalk and safety handrails.
    Sparks Athletic Center entry received a new entry system and replaced the steps, sidewalk and safety handrails.
  • The tennis courts were resurfaced and are ready for more Bearcat victories.
    The tennis courts were resurfaced and are ready for more Bearcat victories.

The most significant project made possible by this investment is the decentralization and upgrade of the boiler system on the Salem campus. Decentralizing the current steam boilers and replacing them with localized boilers allows individual building control that will improve heating efficiency and effectiveness in 12 different buildings. Phase 1 of the boiler plant decentralization is complete which includes installing new boiler plants in Hatfield Library, Matthews Hall and Sparks Athletic Center. Phase 2 is still in progress.

Sometimes, projects may create some disturbance on campus during the school year, especially if unexpected construction challenges arise, but our goal is to keep disruptions to a minimum and work to complete the most intrusive projects over the summer months when there are fewer students and faculty on campus. All projects are on track to complete by the end of Summer 2024.

Learn more about these investments that will keep our campus a safe and comfortable place for years to come.

May 2023 update from Chief Operations Officer Dan Valles

A significant amount of work has been completed already. There are a small handful of projects remaining to be completed. Some, like boiler replacements, are almost complete while others like exterior building work will be completed in the summer of 2024.

Project Timeline

See description below

The above chart shows the timelines of key construction projects. Elevator upgrades and HVAC repairs are set to occur from summer 2021-2024. Eaton Hall exterior repair will take place from summer 2023-2024. Windows will be replaced at Walton Hall between spring and summer 2024.

Replacing the fire alarm and security systems took place from summer 2021-2023. The repair and replacement of roofs in Baxter Hall, College of Law, and the Pelton theater took place from summer 2022-2023. Boiler plant decentralization phase 1 was summer through winter 2023, with phase 2 set for winter 2023 through summer 2024.

Projects underwaY

  • Replacement of windows on the south side of Walton Hall
  • Replacement of fire alarm system at Lausanne Hall
  • Continued replacement of obsolete building access control systems across all buildings
  • Continued replacement of obsolete building HVAC control system components in some buildings

Completed work

  • Replacement of boilers at Baxter Hall
  • Elevator upgrades in Smullin Hall & Waller Hall
  • Replacement of main entry door systems at Spark Athletic Center
  • Replacement of sidewalk, front stairs and handrails at Sparks Athletic Center
  • Replacement of the roof at the University Services Building
  • Replacement of hot water heaters at Goudy Commons
  • Replacement of fire alarm systems in Matthews Hall
  • Upgrade of the fire alarm system in Lee-York House
  • Upgrade mechanical equipment and related controls in Olin Science Building
  • Elevator upgrades in Eaton Hall, Hatfield Library, McCulloch Stadium, Sparks Athletic Center and PNCA
  • Replacement of radio system used by Facilities and Campus Safety
  • Replacement of fire alarm systems in Baxter Hall, Doney Hall & University Apartments
  • Replacement of building access control systems at PNCA and throughout the Salem campus
  • Replacement of lights and sound baffles in Cone Field House
  • Repair of HVAC rooftop unit at PNCA
  • Replacement of roofs and cupola repair at Baxter Hall
  • Cupola repair at Smullin Hall
  • Replacement of central roof at the College of Law
  • Restoration of roof at Pelton Theatre
  • Repair and resurfacing of tennis courts
  • Installed security cameras at PNCA Glass Building
  • Replaced the chiller at the Art Building
  • Replaced the foundation pumps at the College of Law
  • Repaired the hydronic heat exchanger at Matthews Hall
  • Replaced an air handler at Sparks Athletic Center
  • Installed a new fence at the PNCA loading dock
Willamette University

Facilities Management

Address
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6003
Email
facilities-info@willamette.edu