The construction of the new library began in 2001 and opened officially in Spring 2005. Malaspina’s 5th Street campus library first opened in 1976 and was expanded in 1991. The Kennedy Street campus library was housed in the maternity ward. The new 2005 library features expanded reference and student facilities; reading, preview, and special collections rooms; the institute for coastal research; the writing centre; the centre for teaching excellence; a coffee shop; and campus store. The centralized location of the library is indicative of its value to all faculties and departments at VIU. The completion of the library was a requirement for university designation and a result of the largest community fundraising campaign in VIU’s history.
Image courtesy of VIU Archives
Library under construction, 2004.
Image courtesy of VIU Archives
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Building 180 was torn down in May 2003 almost 20 years after it was built. May 1964 marked the official opening of the building; a 3rd story was added in 1970. Building 180 was replaced by the Aztec Building housing the faculties of trades and technology and Health Sciences and Human Services.
Image courtesy of VIU Archives, May 5, 2003
More photos of the Building 180 coming down
VIU's 5th Street campus in Nanaimo, 2009.
Image courtesy of VIU Archives
Building 250, home to VIU's Faculty of Management opened Dec. 6, 2006 and is the most environmentally-friendly building on the Nanaimo campus. The Faculty of Management Centre is eligible for LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). This means that the building was designed with energy and environmental elements in mind, focusing on the areas of sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.
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Image courtesy of VIU Archives
Building 250 under construction, August 2006.
Image courtesy of VIU Archives