Overview

Washington state officials passed funding to erect this new student union for the Washington State College campus just after World War II, with construction beginning in late 1947 and concluding in 1950. It was named for Willis Compton, President of the Washington State College between 1946 and 1951.

Building Notes

Washington State University's Compton Union Building was located directly south of Rogers Field.

Alteration

The CUB has undergone multiple renovation projects, the first in 1957. A large addition was made to it in 1967-1968.

Between 2006 and 2008, another modernization and expansion project enlarged the CUB. Hoffman Construction Company collaborated with Pfeiffer Partners and Seattle-based Integrus Architecture and ALSC Architects, P.S., on an $86 million renovation of a then-forty-year-old Compton Union. According to the Hoffman Construction Company web page: "It transformed the old Compton Union Building, originated more than 40 years ago, into a vibrant new center for campus life, with wi-fi Internet, ballrooms and meeting rooms, an enhanced bookstore and a multitude of new food and service vendors. The materials and colors, along with lots of new daylight in the building, create a one-of-a-kind space. A new pedestrian bridge links to a 30-foot tall 'tower' overlooking Martin Stadium." (See Hoffman Construction Company.com, "Portfolio: WSU Compton Union Building," accessed 04/30/2012.)

PCAD id: 17820