Western Oregon University Welcome Center Renovation - By Skyline Builders

Introduction

Western Oregon University (WOU) partnered with our team to update and reconfigure their Welcome Center in Monmouth, Oregon—a space central to student services, orientation, and campus navigation. Having completed several successful projects with WOU in the past, this marked our fifth collaboration, and once again, we were trusted to bring efficiency, thoughtfulness, and precision to the table.

This renovation focused on enhancing the student transaction area on the first floor while reimagining underutilized classrooms upstairs to better serve the evolving needs of students and staff. The challenge? Executing the full scope of work while school was in session—without disrupting the academic environment.

Project Scope & Collaboration

Working alongside university stakeholders and on-site facilities teams, we carefully phased this renovation to minimize interruptions and ensure safety. On the ground floor, the student transaction area was given a full facelift, including a new entry desk and transaction window. This allowed for more efficient day-to-day operations, student assistance, and administrative workflow.

Upstairs, a previously vacant section was converted into six private offices for both university use and a third-party tenant. Additional improvements included constructing gender-specific restrooms and upgrading framing, electrical, mechanical, and finish elements across the board.

As with all campus projects, tight coordination with university operations was essential to balance function, aesthetics, and durability—ensuring the space could handle high foot traffic while staying visually aligned with WOU’s existing architecture.

Addressing Challenges & Implementing Solutions

Renovating an active student space came with several logistical and safety challenges. Our team approached these with intention:

• Maintaining a Quiet, Respectful Environment: With classes in session just steps away, our crews implemented strict noise and timing protocols, completing high-impact tasks during off-peak hours.

• Dust and Debris Control: We utilized negative air machines, temporary partitions, and strategic demo sequencing to contain dust and debris during demolition.

• Pedestrian Safety: With hundreds of students and faculty moving through the building daily, site safety was non-negotiable. We implemented clear signage, temporary reroutes, and secure barriers to maintain a safe environment throughout.

Despite the constraints, our team kept the project on track, completing it with efficiency.

Project Outcomes & Lasting Impact

The newly renovated Welcome Center now better reflects the university’s mission to support students with accessible, thoughtfully designed spaces. The front lobby has been modernized for smoother day-to-day transactions, and the new upstairs offices add long-term flexibility for faculty and outside partners alike.

Every improvement was completed with future-proofing in mind—from the mechanical upgrades to the reconfiguration of space—all while preserving the building’s original intent and flow.

Conclusion & Future Vision

This renovation at Western Oregon University is a perfect example of how intentional construction can meet both functional demands and aesthetic goals—even under the constraints of an active academic setting. With our fifth project now complete, we’re proud to continue serving WOU and other institutional clients who value thoughtful execution, collaboration, and craftsmanship.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to building spaces that serve the people who use them—whether students, educators, or community members—with precision and care.