PROVIDENCE – On Sept. 28, Providence College dedicated the newest addition to its campus – a science complex.
At 37,000 square feet, the new center is located to the rear of Albertus Magnus Hall and represents the first phase of an 80,000-square-foot renovation of the school’s existing science facilities. The completed project will see Albertus Magnus Hall, Sowa Hall and Hickey Hall renovated.
Included in the initial renovation phase is the addition of three 25-seat active-learning classrooms, a 48-seat lecture hall as well as two chemistry laboratories, a computer lab, astronomy viewing area and administrative spaces.
“With the dedication of this complex today, the message we are sending … is that the STEM disciplines are an important part of the liberal arts at Providence College,” said Providence College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley in a statement.
Completion of the new hall triggers the project’s second phase, which includes renovation of office and laboratory space in Albertus Magnus and Sowa halls, addressing needs of the psychology, chemistry, biology and engineering-physics systems departments.
The second phase will include a 3,179-square-foot vivarium and a 1,600-square-foot microscopy suite, both of which will be used by scientists in multiple disciplines. Bond Brothers is the construction manager for the project.
Several donors have provided support for the new building, including a $1 million gift from the estates of Leo Caiafa Jr. and Lucille Caiafa, as well as gifts from two foundations and several PC alumni.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.
