While the UW is preparing to cut programs and lay off staff members in light of the dismal economy, a bit of positive news about UW expansion came to light yesterday when Ana Mari Cauce, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, met with the mayor of León, Spain to sign a contract effectively creating UW’s second European campus, the first being an existing campus in Rome.

The 9,000 square foot tower of the Palace of the Conde de Luna, which has housed the royal families of León, will be provided to the UW rent-free for the next 10 years, according to the contract. The palace itself dates back to the 10th century, with the tower dating to the 14th century.

“There are now two ‘W’ towers,” Cauce said as she shook hands with Francisco Fernandez, mayor of León.

Also present at the signing of the contract was Daniel Movilla, president of the Foundation for the Spanish Language, and Luis Fernando Esteban, Spanish consul in Seattle.

Anthony Geist, chairman of the UW Division of Spanish and Portuguese Studies, explained that the UW has been looking at establishing a permanent facility in Spain for the past four years now, but it wasn’t until May of last year when he and Cauce visited León that the pursuit began in earnest.

“It’s truly a gift and the timing couldn’t be better,” Geist said, explaining that because the facilities are being provided rent-free, they will more than pay for the maintenance and utility costs of about $2,000 per month the UW will pay.

UW students and professors are not the only ones who will benefit from the facility, however. The city of León, which has spent more than $30 million renovating the tower, hopes to use the partnership with the UW to create a cultural center for the city.

Both Geist and Cauce said they hope for the new facility in León to be more than just a language center.

“One of our interests is going beyond the Spanish department,” Cauce said. “It’s a wonderful place for other disciplines such as art and architecture.”

The facility is set to be completed in May, when UW President Mark Emmert and Cauce will return to León to participate in the opening ceremonies.

Geist hopes that within the next few years, the León campus will be as comprehensive as the Rome facility, and said he hopes to move a few hundred students through the facility each year.

“We especially want all of our different departments here on campus to utilize this facility,” Geist said, citing the importance of having collaboration with the city of León.

“The fact that this is not a stand-alone arrangement will guarantee it a long life,” he said.

The UW currently has a rented facility located in Spain’s deep south in the city of Cadiz, but UW officials believe a campus in León will better serve students hoping to study abroad.

“What I like about having an established campus is that there is more of a sense of community,” Cauce said. “It allows you to build a relationship over time.”

Cauce also noted that an established campus in Spain will help students connect to the Spanish culture, citing that the UW saw an increase in applications from Latino students for the incoming freshman class.

“We want this to be a home for all of our students,” Cauce said. “But it will be great for students to have a connection to their heritage as well.”

Reach news editor Casey Smith at news@dailyuw.com.