2026-02-09-minutes-public-works-study-session

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.. i DISCUSSION: This study has focused on the opportunities to transform the Old Heat building on the CWU campus into a center for innovation, training and economic growth. To help support economic growth the space within Old Heat has been identified for future use for technology, advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurship. The Old Heat feasibility study has assessed models of economic revitalization and identified strategies that may be effective for the next phases. As part of the study, the feasibility of a public/private partnership to share costs of construction and improvements has been explored. The feasibility study examined ownership models and identified the reuse and restoration of the building, rather than constructing something new, as the best path forward. The proximity of the facility to campus will help provide a place to match innovative work in research and development with investors in an off -campus environment. This project will help to harness the intellectual power of Central Washington University to create relationships with business and industry. The work being done as part of this feasibility study can be leveraged to fulfil the objectives of developing Old Heat into a hub for business and technology transfer. The. Conference of Governments (COG) is positioned to support the next phases of the project. This includes a construction cost estimate for developing the Old Heat building into a warm shell. This will allow the project to be broken into phases for raising private sector capital. This will lower the cost of entry for future business collaborations at the Technology Transfer Center. COG can be used to help support the funding mechanism or capital stacking, for this project as well FISCAL IMPACTS: Project study was funded through grant awards and matching 0.09 funds. ATTACHMENTS: Old Heat CERB Feasibility Study Page 2 of 2 Public Works "Work Session Staff Report", 2026