Hennebery Eddy and Bouten Construction’s renovation of the Medicine Building at Washington State University–Spokane was honored with the 2024 Oregon Award of Merit from the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Northwest Region. DBIA Northwest promotes the use of innovative and effective design-build practices by recognizing exceptional design-build projects across the Pacific Northwest.
The renovation created a new home for the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine and transformed a 113,000-square-foot, mid-1990s building into a cutting-edge educational hub for future healthcare professionals. This progressive design-build project focused on enhancing the building’s connection to campus and removing an outdated lecture hall to improve visibility, natural light, and access to a new courtyard. The building incorporates advanced technologies in “active learning” classrooms, supporting large and remote student groups with 4K touch screens and smart cameras. Small-group classrooms and a teaching studio further foster hands-on and media-based learning. Designed with wellness in mind, the space connects students to nature and provides various study and social spaces, including a lounge and café, all while prioritizing acoustics for an optimal learning environment. This renovation balances innovation with student well-being, creating a dynamic and inspiring place for healthcare education.
The awards were evaluated by a panel of DBIA jurors, who assessed each project based on its effective use of innovative, team-driven design-build strategies, adherence to budget and schedule, and overall excellence in design and construction. Congratulations to the entire progressive design-build team, including WSU, Bouten Construction, KPFF (structural and civil engineer), MW Engineers (MEP engineer), Greenbusch (acoustics), Mountain Dog (signage), Division Eight (door hardware), Elder (demolition), All-Star Glass, and EVCO (A/V systems).
