The Catalyst
Officially open to the public, Catalyst represents the beginning of a new era for EWU in Spokane.
Catalyst Building
As a dominant economic driver for the communities we serve, Eastern Washington University is committed to pushing the creative and high-tech vitality of the region forward. Now, to better power local business and industry, Eastern will expand into a state-of-the-art space never before seen in our area: the Catalyst building.
Located on the south landing of the University District Gateway Bridge in Spokane, the Catalyst will be the core of an internationally significant eco-district, a place where the smart grid meets smart buildings. The city’s first zero energy building, this immersive and applied learning center will inspire leading-edge thinking and project creation from EWU students and faculty.
The Catalyst will bring EWU together with educational and community partners. Interactive environments will give students and faculty the space to work directly with local business and industry experts. These robust public-private partnerships will help solve real world problems.
The virtual grand opening of the Catalyst building is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17.
- EWU Joins Partners in Celebrating ‘Topping Out’ of Catalyst Building
Oct. 23, 2019 - Catalyst Building Construction Begins
Aug. 8. 2018 - Record $5 million gift to EWU highlights Catalyst project
March 29, 2018
Welcome to the South Landing
An innovative shared energy model called an Eco-District creates connectedness that ultimately allows buildings to operate in a grid-friendly manner leading to a reliable and affordable clean energy future for all of us.
150,000
Moving
15+
Consumption
ZERO
11
Received
$5M
What's Moving to Catalyst?
Computer Science
Our Computer Science Program offers innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Computer Science InfoElectrical Engineering
Our electrical engineering graduates go on to work for business, industry and government employers.
Electrical Engineering InfoDesign
Our Design Program offers an undergraduate degree, a minor, and a user experience certificate.
Design InfoComputer Engineering
Coming soon, the Computer Engineering Program will give students experience building hardware.
Creative Writing (MFA)
Our graduate creative writing program will be moving to Catalyst in January.
Creative Writing InfoBusiness Programs
The College of Business offers 11 undergraduate programs and an MBA program in-person.
College of Business InfoHealth Sciences
In addition to the academic programs outlined above, the dean’s office and some program staff from the College of Health Science & Public Health (CHSPH) will be moving to Catalyst.
“Having the opportunity to be housed right in downtown Spokane is going to present an incredible opportunity for faculty and students to apply their learning directly to real-world problems with real working engineers, designers and computer scientists.” - David Bowman, dean of CSTEM
Energy Value Chain
The current energy value chain is fragmented and broken. Typical silos prevent utilities from working with building owners, construction companies and tenants. Utilities and building designers must partner to transform buildings into valuable assets that serve the energy grid and the broader community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please visit our Student Information page with specific details for EWU students in programs moving to the Catalyst building.
Support for the Catalyst building thus far
- Generous $5 million gift from the McKinstry Charitable Foundation and the Avista Foundation.
Talk with a member of the Eastern Washington University Foundation to learn more at 509.359.7099.
The building is owned by South Landing Investors, LLC, an entity formed by long-time McKinstry executives Dean Allen and Bill Teplicky, as well as other minority investors. The land is owned by Avista Development.
- Business Administration
- Business Analytics
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing (MFA)
- Data Analytics
- Design
- Electrical Engineering
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Health Services Administration
- Information Security Management
- International Business
- Management
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing
- Professional Accounting
EWU’s health science offerings—such as dental hygiene, physical therapy, occupational therapy and communication disorders—will remain in the Health Sciences Building on the Spokane campus shared with WSU Spokane.
Eastern is the main tenant. Katerra, which is manufacturing the cross-laminated timber (CLT) used to build the facility, will also be a tenant. There is a possibility for other tenants in the building.
More than 1,000 students are expected to take some of their classes at the building.
Floor plans are still being finalized. Eastern will have a significant presence on every floor of the five-story building, with innovative classroom space, labs, student support resources and lounge space.
You can give now online, use the form below to make your pledge of support or contact us to learn about naming opportunities.
Support for the Catalyst Building
This project has been made possible by a generous $5 million dollar gift from the McKinstry Charitable Foundation and the Avista Foundation.
