Construction News

Construction for UWB 3 Begins

The stage has been set to begin construction of UW Bothell’s new Science and Academic Building (UWB 3) and the new plaza. Over the weekend of August 4-5, workers removed trees and vegetation from the knoll in the center of the campus and the uphill construction site. Some wood from the trees will be reused as benches and art installations around campus. In a few short years, the space will be transformed into an open air plaza and a state-of-the-art academic hub.

“We have been thoughtful about reducing the impact of the project,” says Tony Guerrero, assistant vice chancellor for facilities services. “For example, the campus currently plants more than 3,000 trees per year.”

Learn more about sustainability practices at UW Bothell.

The popular flower-sculpted “W” will be removed, but it will be restored once construction is over.

“This is an exciting time of growth for the UW Bothell campus,” says Chancellor Kenyon Chan. “This new building will enable us to help meet a critical need in the state of Washington by educating 1,000 additional students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.” Construction of the building will also generate 1,500 construction-related jobs.

Planning for UWB 3 has also allowed the UW Bothell campus to position itself for its long-term future. Unlike the existing buildings, UWB 3 will have an east-west orientation, which future buildings will follow. Changing the building orientation allows engineers to use sunlight and shade to heat and cool the building. It also assists with ADA compliance.

UW Bothell is experiencing unprecedented growth. Or, visit the campus building projects page to see current photos from all ongoing projects.