As students returned to the University of Redlands campus for the Spring 2025 semester, they were greeted by caution tape and fences surrounding the Willis Center.
The purpose of this construction is to remodel the building interior, improve landscaping, add parking spaces and install electric charging stations, said Grace Crickette, the University of Redlands Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer.
“A new building approach and east-side entrance will welcome visitors, alongside improved signage to guide future Bulldogs,” Crickette said.
Construction, led by Brian Bloom Architect and KAR Construction, began on Dec. 20, 2024 and is projected to be completed by Feb. 28 of this year. This $2.5 million project is completely funded by an anonymous donor, excluding any use of student tuition.
The Willis Center is just one of the university’s recent construction projects. Currier Gym was reroofed during the Fall 2024 semester and a solar canopy project in the East Hall parking lot has been underway. The McKinstry solar design and construction company has been doing this work, which is funded through Solar a Bond. On Jan. 15, Facilities announced that this project is 85% completed and its progress can be monitored with frequent updates and a live webcam. Continuing the university’s commitment to its sustainability mission, a similar solar canopy project in the Armacost Library parking lot will begin this May.
This story is still developing and the Redlands Bulldog will continue to provide updates. Meanwhile, learn about other construction projects and the university’s sustainability mission and initiatives!
Photos taken by McKenzie Rose
McKenzie Rose is a freshman at Redlands with interests in Environmental Studies and Journalism. She worked for the last three years as a freelance journalist with the Hermiston Herald, a newspaper near her hometown of Echo, Oregon. She is looking forward to covering the interesting, the exciting, and the intriguing happenings at the university for the Redlands Bulldog!
