Above: A crane lifts the final beam into place in the new Campus Commons building during a ceremony last month. 

University of Northern Colorado’s newest gateway building was topped out with the final beam placed in mid-December, marking a significant milestone event for construction and the progress of the new facility.

Alumni, faculty and staff donors signed their names onto the final structural beam. The beam was then picked up and set behind the performance hall.  

Designed in tandem by Semple Brown Design and Handprint Architecture, this new 110,000-square-foot, LEED Gold facility will include a 600-seat performance venue, a 400-seat multi-purpose auditorium, an art gallery and a café.

Campus Commons is envisioned as an innovative campus navigation and support center for students, while being a showcase for the University’s highly regarded music and musical-theater programs. The building will tie into the existing University Center while maintaining the appearance of a stand-alone gateway facility. AP worked with the design team throughout preconstruction services to evaluate design options, building materials, and preplan logistics.

“The event was a fun and a successful experience for our donors and campus community, without whom this project would not be possible,” said Allie Steg Haskett, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations. 

The building is scheduled to open in early 2019. For a collection of photos from the beam-raising ceremony, click here.