WSU study: St. Ignatius future up for discussion

A WSU interior design graduate student will host a community discussion about the future of St. Ignatius at The Center at the library next Tuesday.

The discussion will be from 3 to 6 p.m. and is open to the public.

The student, Uris Giron, said he has been working with City Administrator Mike Rizzitiello and St. Ignatius owners Anthony and Sammy Girges to facilitate community discussion to reimagine St. Ignatius.

“They are really ecstatic about it,” Giron said. “We are having a workshop for the community to voice opinions on what they would like to see done with the St. Ignatius hospital.”

Giron’s discussion centers around a case study project he is doing as part of his graduate studies.

“I am creating a design process that democratizes the design to enhance the committee of clients to voice their opinions,” he said. “It might just inspire the designer to design something amazing for them.”

The St. Ignatius owners earlier this year proposed a plan for converting the St. Ignatius property to some type of housing development in the future. The proposal has been met with mixed reactions across the community, which is one of the reasons why Giron wanted to provide an opportunity for input into the future of the historic building.

“It is such a rich building in history that almost seems forgotten,” he said. “As a designer, I want to make sure this is all community driven to make sure the community is heard.”

Giron stressed that this is a case study for his graduate project, so he would not be making actual design plans for the building, but rather be providing an opportunity for discussion that could possibly turn into something more.

“The community will gain an illustration of what their vision of St. Ignatius is,” he said. “We will help them to visualize it so they can possibly write grants.”

Giron is providing three different opportunities for community participation, including the meeting Nov. 10. In addition to the meeting, he has formed “touchdown stations” where interested parties can go to learn more about the case study and participate in surveys. These touchdown stations will be located at Fonk’s Coffee House, Whitman Hospital and Medical Center, the Whitman County Library and the Courtyard.

Those interested can also participate through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CDI.St.Ignatius/.

Giron said all opportunities for participation will launch Nov. 10.