Gonzaga University: Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center

Spokane, WA

A grand new campus and community destination for the performing arts—and a tribute to its benefactor.

Gonzaga University’s new Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center is named for the Spokane resident, businesswoman and philanthropist whose generous donation made the project a reality. Following a concurrent programming and site analysis process that evaluated three potential locations, the western edge of campus emerged as the winner due to its optimal point of arrival for patrons, its ideal relationship with campus circulation and broad views of the Spokane River, and for consistency with plans for future campus development. The 52,000 sf facility provides spaces for performance, rehearsal, and instruction for the departments of music and theater & dance, and for a multi-disciplinary design studio. Along with the possibility of cross-disciplinary collaboration comes enhanced engagement between the university and the Spokane community. In addition to an expansive lobby with views of the river, the balcony level features a museum-like series of spaces that pay tribute to the donor with a full-scale recreation of her living room, dining room, and foyer as inspiration for future generations to pursue self-empowerment.

This project was programmed and designed by Pfeiffer prior to joining Perkins Eastman.

Project Facts

Client:

Gonzaga University

Size :

52,000 sf | 4,831 sm

Sustainability :

LEED Silver

Practice Areas:

Arts + Culture, College + University

Awards

2022 Merit Award, United States Institute for Theatre Technology

2021 Special Mention for Institution, Higher Education & Research Facilities, Architizer

2020 Best Project, for Northwest Cultural/Worship, Engineering News Record