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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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‘Game changer’ Hemmingson Center ready for GU students’ arrival

The Bulldog Pub in the Hemmingson Center features the iconic sign from the Bulldog Tavern, formerly on the corner of Hamilton and Sharp. It’s designed as a family style restaurant, although it does serve alcohol. The pub is open to the public.
The Bulldog Pub in the Hemmingson Center features the iconic sign from the Bulldog Tavern, formerly on the corner of Hamilton and Sharp. It’s designed as a family style restaurant, although it does serve alcohol. The pub is open to the public.

Gonzaga’s new student center is complete and ready for the upcoming semester.

“It’s really a game changer for the university,” Hemmingson Center Director Chuck Faulkinberry said. “It’s really going to increase the student experience. There really isn’t a building like this anywhere else in Spokane.”

The 167,726-square-foot, $60 million building is named after John J. Hemmingson, the main benefactor. Hemmingson, a university trustee, gave $25 million toward the project. Although the center will be fully operational by Aug. 27, the official dedication ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 16.

During the past several months, between 110 and 130 workers were on site. More than 270,000 work-hours were spent on the project, according to a Gonzaga news release.

– Eli Francovich