Space Optimization Project

The Space Optimization project is a spatial assessment to ensure the highest and best use of campus space. Through this work, the project team will document existing buildings and spaces to ensure they are properly serving campus. Simultaneously, we are identifying opportunities for reinvention, innovation, repurposing, consolidation, collaboration, and streamlining to maximize our investment in UWM’s built environment – whose quality is an important driver for recruitment and retention of students and faculty.

This is an ambitious project as building use is heavily impacted by drivers in constant flux: enrollment, pedological changes, staff and faculty changes, remote learning and working, space condition, and more. The Space Optimization project aims to leverage UWM’s built environment to support excellence in education, research, student success, and employee morale.

This effort was launched hand in hand with 2030 Initiative and Implementation Team Report. The outcomes of Space Optimization, including the alignment of investment in campus physical infrastructure, will directly support the recommended campus initiatives critical to the future of the university.

There are many examples of this work in action. The recent sale of the Alumni House, the upcoming demolition of NWQ Building A, and the future demolition of the Chemistry Building all serve to reduce the campus’ physical footprint. Actions like this support focused investment in upcoming building projects like the renovation of Sandburg Halls, the Student Union, and the Northwest Quad.

This work will establish new and ongoing ways of documenting, monitoring and prioritizing campus space needs to maximize access to and quality of our built environment to best support the university.