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Opsis Architecture鈥檚 design of a new Oregon State University building had to gain approval not only from the school, but also the city of Corvallis.

鈥淚t went through a separate approval process in the city because it鈥檚 located on a historic district on the campus,鈥� firm partner James Meyer said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one of the last remaining (vacant) parcels on the core campus.鈥�

The district received its historic designation in 2008. It includes some of the school鈥檚 oldest buildings, such as Benton Hall, Weatherford Hall and the Memorial Union.

The 90,000-square-foot-building, the Student Experience Center, will be added to the Memorial Union via an 8,000-square-foot glass-covered plaza. The union will be used for dining and events, while the SEC will become a hub for student-life programs, Meyer said.

The building will hold four stories, including three as an atrium lined with curvilinear stairs. The atrium will hold spaces for various student programs, such as the campus craft center and the international resource center.

The student media center, on the top floor, will hold space for the campus television network, radio show and newspaper.

At one point, money for the $51.8 million project (including the plaza connection) dried up. The project in 2011 failed to gain legislative approval for needed construction bonds.

鈥淚t was a challenge to keep the design flow and the discussion about the building moving cohesively,鈥� Meyer said.

However, approval eventually was granted, and Meyer believes the determination of the students who helped design the building will help make it a success.

鈥淚t is really important for the project when you think of the students stepping up and talking about stewardship and legacy,鈥� he said. 鈥淪uccessive different (grades of) students came into this process because of how long it takes and yet each one comes in and takes the same role in terms of its importance.鈥�

Construction is expected to start in June and finish in slightly more than a year.

鈥淥n the Boards鈥� is a weekly feature that spotlights local firms鈥� best design work. Submissions from architectural and engineering firms are encouraged. Please call 503-802-7222 or email [email protected].