Webster University’s East Academic Building Grand Opening

Dominik Jansky | March 28, 2012

East Academic Building, Webster University

Webster University's East Academic Building, opened in 2012

Webster University’s East Academic Building – the first new classroom building on the University’s St. Louis campus since 1984 – is officially dedicated at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, in the building’s Edward Jones Commons, 545 Garden Ave. in Webster Groves, Mo.

Inside the building designed by Robert A.M. Stern

The event, which is open to the public, will include an address by the building’s renowned design architect, Robert A. M. Stern, followed by a reception and tours.

On Saturday, March 31, from noon to 2 p.m., Webster will host a free and open-to-the- public Community Day at the new East Academic Building. The event will feature a barbecue lunch; stunning balloon art created by Webster University alumnus Jason Hackenwerth; an international student art exhibit; sustainability tours; and, for youngsters, a caricature artist and the opportunity to meet Webster University’s mascot, the Gorlok.

The $29 million, 94,323-square-foot East Academic Building will house the George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology as well as other programs and services. With 31 classrooms, 10 large computer labs, 48 offices, and two large lobbies, the new building features the most up-to-date instruction design and technology.

The building also boasts numerous sustainability features. It was built to meet LEED silver certification, with two green roofs and an impermeable membrane vapor barrier “envelope” to produce estimated energy savings of $30,000 per year.