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As the new MacEwan University Centre For Arts and Culture prepares for its summer opening, another major addition to the downtown campus is just beginning. The Students' Association of MacEwan University (SAMU) will soon have their own exclusive place to call home, with a variety of spaces catered to servicing the needs of students. On Friday, April 7, SAMU officially broke ground on the complex and unveiled flashy renderings showing what's in store.
The design and development of the facility propelled forward after students overwhelmingly voted in favour of the new building in October 2015. To be built just east of 109 Street, the structure will allow SAMU to expand its programs and services, with the added benefit of providing students with a quiet place to study. Minister of Advanced Education Marlin Schmidt, SAMU President Danika McConnell, MacEwan University President David Atkinson, and SAMU Vice President of Operations and Finance Amy Beard were on hand for the ceremonial sod turning.
Forum contributor Daveography attended the ground breaking event, which also gave attendees their first glimpse of Stantec and DIALOG's vision for the complex. Previously, only conceptual images had been released. The renderings show an interior complete with multiple skylights, a green wall, and suspended staircases. Outside, plenty of seating options and landscaping serve to provide students with a welcoming entryway. The project is expected to be complete and open in the fall of 2019.
We'll be sure to pay close attention to the project as it moves through the construction phase. Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.
