NORTON – Wheaton College has begun construction of its new science center, a project that is moving forward despite the impact the recession has had on the college and other schools across the country.
The project, which officially broke ground in October 2008, includes the renovation of the first floor of the existing science building and construction of a new, three-story building – a total of 99,000 square feet.
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The new building will include classrooms, offices and laboratories, including multiuse labs designed to allow for collaborative and interdisciplinary research among students and faculty.
“When this project is complete, our students are going to have the space they deserve for the outstanding work they do,” Tommy Ratliff, associate professor of mathematics and faculty coordinator for the project, said in a college news release.
The new science center is expected to be completed in the fall of 2011. The cost of the project is approximately $42 million – more than half of which ($27 million) will be funded by gifts to the college for the project.
“This investment reflects our belief that scientific literacy and research are critical components of a 21st century liberal arts education,” said President Ronald Crutcher.
Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering P.C designed the project to include a commitment to environmental sustainability. The new building will have energy-efficient systems, a “green” roof, and architectural features that will control water run-off.
Once completed, Wheaton expects the new science center to earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) status, a nationally recognized certification granted by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Additional information is available at wheatoncollege.edu.
