Central Washington University Constructs North Academic Complex

Central Washington University is constructing the North Academic Complex in Ellensburg as a unified home for the College of Arts and Humanities. Designed by Opsis Architecture and NAC, the $108 million facility will house a 240-seat lecture hall with state-of-the-art technological capabilities, 21 active learning classrooms, and 109 faculty offices. In addition to accommodating the Department of Political Science, the 106,000-sf building will provide a mock courtroom for the Law and Justice program that includes a judge’s bench, a witness stand, and a jury panel. 

Redefining the campus entrance, the multidisciplinary hub will feature a soaring, mass timber atrium that incorporates both cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam components. The open floor plan of the four-story structure will showcase transparent academic environments and highly adaptable educational venues, complemented by informal learning areas, collaborative study zones, and lounge spaces. 

Seeking LEED Gold certification, the sustainable complex will leverage abundant interior glazing and a full photovoltaic array on the rooftop to reduce energy consumption. The project also includes the creation of GeoEco, a single-level geothermal utility plant which will supply heating and cooling using an open-loop, ground-source heat pump system that draws from the Ellensburg Aquifer. Funded by the Washington State Legislature in 2023, this 3,874-sf development will be constructed with mass timber and pursue net-zero and carbon-neutral status, as well as serving other buildings on campus.

Garco Construction began demolition work on site in fall of 2023. Other firms lending their expertise include Coughlin Porter Lundeen, MW Engineering, and Walker Macy. Occupancy is slated for fall of 2026.