Catholic Newman Center
Charter combined thrift, ingenuity and creativity to build this multi-purpose center for owners with high expectations and a modest budget.
Located across the street from the University of Washington’s Seattle campus, the new, two-story Catholic Newman Center houses offices, classroom and library space, dormitory style living quarters, and the Prince of Peace Chapel.
Charter captured the spirit of the original Newman Center and achieved the architect’s vision while remaining mindful of a budget based on fundraising from within the Catholic community. Charter participated in intense pre-construction planning with the architect, owner and subcontractors and carefully salvaged select materials during the demolition phase; fulfilling a desire to incorporate parts of the original building into the new structure while at the same time saving the owner considerable money.
The Prince of Peace Chapel, the facility’s centerpiece, features Douglas fir beams that rise 26 feet to the vaulted ceiling. The brick wall behind the altar includes brick salvaged from the original building, and crews also used a beam from the former structure to create the mantle on the fireplace located in the student lounge.
Architect: Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects
Location: University District, Seattle, Washington
