A year and a half ago the Seattle University library was temporarily relocated as the school launched a 37,000 square foot expansion and remodeling of the school’s Lemieux Library building.

That remodeling is now complete, the construction fences have come down, and a shining new facade has been revealed to the rest of the campus as the new school year begins. If the 60’s and 70’s were the dark era of academic architecture, it seems like the new millenium could be a golden era for campus construction.

The plaza in front of the building includes a water feature and small depression that provides a natural system for stormwater treatment.

And perhaps most importantly for foot-oriented commuters in the Central District, Columbia Street is now completely reopened on campus, restoring the direct connection to Swedish Hospital and the rest of First Hill.

UPDATE 9/30/2010: Seattle U is celebrating their new library:

Please join us this Thursday as we dedicate the Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons, a historic moment in Seattle University history. Our celebration will include remarks by President Sundborg, S.J., and Archbishop Brunett as well as self-guided tours of the library and our new (and stunning) art collection.

11:30 a.m.: Opening remarks and blessing, library plaza

12:00 p.m.: Library tours, refreshments and festivities

Detailed schedule of events.

With its opening on September 30, the Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons, creates a bold new nexus for today’s students. The much-anticipated and re-imagined library is expected to become the campus hub for students, faculty and academic activities.

At a cost of $55 million, the renovation and new construction increases the square footage by 50 percent to more than 125,000 square feet. Read more about this major initiative.

See for yourself.
The new library and learning commons is the largest investment in academics and the biggest capital project in SU’s 120 years. Click here to watch a time lapse video of construction from start to finish.

“The opening of the Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons transforms learning, teaching and the campus experience for our students. Imagine all the personal formation, learning successes and empowering experiences that will take place here for years to come. This is a bright, new dimension of our progress as a university of the highest academic quality.”

– Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J., President, Seattle University