Looking to the Future: WIU Master Plan

Western Finalizing Map for Campus Improvements for the Next 30 Years

Western Illinois University is nearing completion of a master plan of improvements to the Macomb campus that looks ahead to the next 30 years.

The plan, designed to guide the future physical development of facilities, grounds, technology and infrastructure, calls for a more aesthetically pleasing landscape, a new student union, a new science center, low-rise parking decks, and a more pedestrian-friendly campus, among other elements. The facilities plan also includes accommodations for an enrollment increase of at least 1,000 students.

"This effort is an important step in fulfilling our Strategic Plan, Higher Values in Higher Education, goal to become the leading comprehensive university in the United States," said WIU President Al Goldfarb. "It will be our guide to creating the best possible living and learning environments for our students, faculty and staff-today and in the future."

According to Joe Rives, assistant to the president for planning and budget, the work included in the master plan will be implemented between the immediate future and the next 30 years. However, several items in the plan are currently being implemented, such as completion of the Alfred D. Boyer Baseball Stadium.

"The planning process is grounded in the ongoing work already taking place on our campus," Rives said.

Campus officials are expected to finalize the plan in March.

The plan was developed over several months of planning sessions that included presentations to campus groups of faculty, staff and students, as well as off-campus to Macomb community leaders. In April 2006, more than 225 members of the campus and Macomb communities participated in master planning sessions to identify critical facilities needs for Western Illinois University.

In Fall 2006, design alternatives were presented to the campus and Macomb communities for review, feedback and clarification. In January, consultants from the Boston architectural and engineering firm Goody Clancy were on campus to present the finalized plan.

"Over the last several months, the Western and Macomb communities have worked together to create a plan for our campus' future," Goldfarb said. "We've asked for input on what would make the Western campus a better place to live, learn, work, teach and visit."

"It will be our guide to creating the best possible living and learning environments for our students, faculty and staff-today and in the future."
-President Al Goldfarb

Two projects to begin in the near future are construction of a new Multicultural Center that will house Casa Latina, the Women's Center and the International Friendship Club; and the expansion of the Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center.

Projects already in place include Alfred D. Boyer Baseball Stadium, relocation of Document Publications Services and Property Distribution Center, a renovation of the Hanson Field east bleachers and a remodeling and environmental remediation of Memorial Hall.

"On both Western Illinois University campuses, master planning continues to include careful consideration of renewable energy and sustainable design options as the University seeks Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in new construction," Rives said. "For example, Physical Plant continues to pursue geothermal applications for the new Multicultural Center at Western Illinois University-Macomb and for the newly developing Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus."

Details of the master plan can be viewed at www.wiumasterplan.com.

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