Campaign for the Muskie School: Final Report
The building campaign for the new home for the USM Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service was completed in the spring of 2005, raising $8,000,000. On behalf of the Muskie School, we are grateful for your support of this important project and look forward to this new era of the School.
When completed in fall 2008, the Wishcamper Center will be the home of the Muskie School of Public Service and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). For a minute by minute view of the building site and progress please visit the USM webcam.
The Wishcamper Center is the centerpiece of University Commons, located within easy access to the Glickman Family Library, Abromson Community Education Center and the parking garage. We are very pleased with the design by the architects of Koetter Kim & Associates of Boston. The building's construction is being managed by Wright-Ryan Construction.
The Muskie School is designated by USM as the "center to enrich and enhance public service," and the new Muskie building will be crucial to fulfilling this role. The building will bring the Muskie School's academic and research programs in Portland into one location and will greatly enhance our ability to communicate and collaborate internally and with the greater community.
The building will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, meeting the U.S. Green Building Council's nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. Senator Muskie would be pleased that the school that bears his name will live up to the spirit of the federal Clean Air and Clean Water Act that he authored.
Among other features:
- The building is heated and cooled by geo-thermal energy from wells drilled 1,500 ft. beneath the building.
- Rain water is being collected off the roof and recycled.
- Materials are low emission, from local sources where possible, and contain a high percentage of recycled material.
- At least 50% of wood products are from Forest Stewardship Council certified forests, which use environmentally responsible forest management techniques.
- At least 50% of the current paved property around the building is being restored to living, permeable landscape.
- A minimum of 75% of construction waste is being recycled.
- The second floor forum roof is covered in vegetation to absorb and filter water, and the fourth floor roof is covered in highly reflective energy star rated roofing membrane.
We are honored to have the new Muskie building recognize Senator Muskie along with all those other individuals and families that have served this state and nation so well. The building will be a visible tribute to Maine's contributions to public service.
