UW-L Centennial Hall FAQ
Do we really need a new academic building?
The last academic building on campus, W. Carl Wimberly Hall (formerly North Hall), was built in 1974, and approximately 40 percent of the existing classrooms cannot be retrofitted with modern instructional technology. Currently, students are using substandard and temporary classroom space that has been hastily adapted to accommodate growing course offerings.
What is the cost of the new academic building?
The total project cost is $44 million. The State will contribute $38 million toward the project, and an additional $6 million will be raised by the UW-L Foundation through private gifts.
If the State is contributing $38 million, why don’t you build a $38 million facility?
A policy was established between the State and the university indicating the State would pay only a percentage of the total cost for bricks and mortar. The balance of the funds needed is to be raised by the UW-L Foundation.
How will Centennial Hall be used?
Centennial Hall will house 44 classrooms that seat between 40-70 students each and two auditoriums that seat 250 students each. In addition to classrooms, the facility will feature the Hall of Nations Gathering Room, six study areas, three conference rooms and 10 department offices. In anticipation of UW-L’s continued growth, areas for expansion are present. Also, conduits large enough to accommodate additional cables for future expansion will be used.
Will the building be energy efficient?
It is anticipated that Centennial Hall will meet LEED Silver Certification. Plans call for sustainability features such as multiple rain gardens for catching storm water runoff and allowing as much natural light into the building as possible with a C-shaped design that has more exterior walls and more windows. The goal is to use 35 percent less energy than required in current state building codes.
Where are we in the process?
Construction is scheduled to begin spring 2009. Centennial Hall will be dedicated, open and ready for classes by fall 2011.
Where will Centennial Hall be located?
The new facility will be located in the heart of campus, just south of Murphy Library, on the site where Wilder, Baird, and Trowbridge halls sit.
What about student housing?
In an effort to ensure sufficient student housing, plans to construct a new residence hall on campus are underway. A campus housing committee is considering possible sites for the new hall, including the areas around Coate and Drake halls. In the meantime, short-term leases might also be available for student housing near campus until the new residence hall is built.
Over what time period can pledges be made?
Pledges can be made over a five-year period. We simply ask those in support of the project to give to their capacity.
Are naming opportunities available?
Named gift opportunities are offered as symbolic or commemorative gestures of appreciation for gifts of a predetermined size. Please see the “Naming Opportunities” sheet for more information on available space and cost.
How do I pledge?
You can give using a check, credit card, EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer), payroll deduction or be billed in regular increments by the UW-L Foundation. You can also make a pledge or give online.
Many employers have matching gift plans. Check to see if your workplace offers such a program and how you can use it to leverage an even larger gift for UW-L! Please remember that payments on pledges are deductible for income tax purposes as provided by law.
Pledge forms and payments may be mailed to:
UW-L Foundation
Attn: Anne Babich
PO Box 1148
La Crosse, WI 54602-1148
If you would like more information or have questions, please contact: