Construction of the Welcome Centre remains on schedule for turnover to the University in July 2015, says the building’s senior project manager.

“With the structure now in place, our focus is to enclose the building prior to the winter break so interior work and finishes will not be negatively impacted by the weather conditions,” says Robert Balicsak of MHPM Project Managers.

The University has prepared a call for proposals for furniture, fixtures and equipment with the audio-visual installation not far behind. The Welcome Centre Implementation Steering Committee will soon finalize its selection of flooring materials, ceiling types, wood finishes, countertops, and finalized colour schemes. The committee is also reviewing various concepts for heritage and donor recognition, which will be located in a predominate area in the new Windsor Hall space in the Welcome Centre.

“Soon everyone will begin to see the second floor curtain wall and exterior finished applied to the building, which will then solidify its unique and complex shape and form,” Baliscak says. “This is an exciting time for the University as the new address is taking shape.”

The $8.4 million building, located on the north side of Wyandotte Street at its intersection with Patricia Road, will house the offices of Student Admissions and Recruitment, Alumni Affairs and Donor Communications, the University Campaign, Public Affairs and Communications, and Alumni and Donor Records. It boasts a unique ribbon-shaped exterior and an all-encompassing open-concept interior for staff and future students, which will encourage greater collaboration between individuals and departments.

Find more information about the Welcome Centre, including architectural renderings, on the project website.