Red River College has flipped the switch on a dramatic display that lights up one of Winnipeg’s most prominent heritage structures and serves as a preview of the exciting new energy coming to the Exchange District.

To launch its “Lighting Up History” capital campaign, the College installed an LED lighting system that covers the front of the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute (formerly the Union Bank Tower at the corner of Main Street and William Avenue) in a captivating field of blue and green light.

College officials say the display is symbolic of RRC’s efforts to bring this historic building back to life, after nearly two decades spent in darkness.

The $27-million Paterson GlobalFoods Institute will be a new home for RRC’s culinary, hospitality and tourism programs, and site of the College’s first-ever student residence. The facility is scheduled to open in September 2011.

At the lighting ceremony — attended by dozens of business leaders, community representatives and students — Andrew Paterson, President and CEO of Paterson GlobalFoods Inc., and Vice-President of The Paterson Foundation, announced the capital campaign has already reached 64% of its goal for fundraising from private sources.

Both Paterson and RRC President Stephanie Forsyth stressed the importance of this project to enhancing the learning environment for students, expanding capacity at the College, building new economic opportunities in the food and hospitality sector, and further revitalizing the Exchange District.