Modern space

Throughout the summer, construction has progressed steadily on the Martin J. Neeb Center, KPLU’s new headquarters on lower campus. The 13,000-square-foot building, named for the station’s longtime general manager, will more than double the size of the station’s current home in Eastvold Hall. There, the jazz and National Public Radio affiliate has housed its main studios, jazz collection and administrative offices for 40 years. Eastvold’s studios are out-of-date and long overdue for technological upgrades. The new modern broadcast center will include state-of-the-art facilities, environmentally stable storage for classic records, and improved workspace for employees.

It also keeps with PLU’s sustainable building practices, adhering to stringent environmental standards in the design and construction. It’s expected the new station will qualify for a gold rating under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

Located across the street from South Hall at 125th Street and Park Avenue, the new building was designed by Bloomfield and Associates and Helix Architecture + Design. Construction is expected to take almost a year, and KPLU should move in during first quarter 2009.