Walla Walla University’s Smith Hall, home to the Education and Psychology Department, Discovery Preschool and Pathways to Change (Center for Counseling and Training), is under construction.
The project entails building upgrades including a three-story, four-stop elevator; accessible restrooms on each floor; and an accessible front entry with gathering plaza. Additionally, other details will enhance the presentation of the building with new spandrel glass exposures and window vestibules into the lecture hall and classrooms.
Even more important than the visual presentation of Smith Hall is the accessibility for all. With these upgrades the building will be Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant and offer students, faculty, staff and visitors full access to all parts of the building.
Construction workers ran into some delays, specifically hard-soil challenges. Classes are not scheduled in the building for fall quarter, so this minor interruption has not hindered progress. This project is scheduled for completion in late November, allowing plenty of time for classes to resume in winter quarter.
The small inconvenience of construction redirecting traffic on College Avenue for several days during the summer is creating a more efficient and beautiful building on campus.
Walla Walla University's Smith Hall is getting upgrades to enhance its beauty and accessibility.
