Spatial orientation also aids the facility’s energy efficiency. Windows to the west are limited to view windows, while large windows to the east and south are shaded by roof overhangs.

Natural materials such as wood, brick and zinc combine with the building’s mass timber elements—including mass timber beams and columns as well as cross-laminated timber roof decking and ceiling panels—to strengthen the building’s overall sustainability.

Photo courtesy Jacobsen Construction and Cody Brown

In August 2023, city officials unexpectedly informed the project team that all utility connections had to be completed within two weeks or crews would have to wait until the following spring. Facing one month less than planned to complete this work, project leadership adjusted the schedule while trade partners completed highly coordinated work over long hours to meet the unexpected deadline.

And when critical elevator parts were delayed, other tasks were resequenced to maintain the schedule. Construction was completed on time and under budget in August 2024.

Communication with local residents was critical because the university wanted to maintain good relationships with its neighbors. Residents near campus were unhappy with recent utility shutdowns and road closures due to an unrelated construction project across the street from Westminster, so the project team reached out to affected households with updates on any anticipated utility shutdowns.

The photovoltaic system had to be fully operational on Day 1. The project team led a consecutive 28-hour installation, which enabled the system to be fully activated 30 minutes prior to the building’s ribbon-cutting.