UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Renovations to the science education wing in Chambers Building are well underway as the fall semester approaches. Since its start in January 2018, construction has moved steadily and is nearly halfway done.
The $5 million project is being funded equally by the College of Education and the University's Facility Naming Committee, according to Simon Corby, director of Development and Alumni Relations in the College of Education.
The wing, which thus far remains unnamed, can be named for $2.5 million. Separate components of the wing can be named for a minimum of $250,000.
When completed, the wing will include a science education lab, a science education classroom, a curriculum center, an area dedicated to graduate work, a conference room, and collaboration space.
According to Brandy Wood, facilities coordinator and financial coordinator, first floor interior work is about 50 percent complete.
Veronesi Building and Remodeling has erected the new rooftop penthouse, which houses the new mechanical unit. The construction of the penthouse and roofing replacement at the west wing is approximately 40 percent complete.
Renovation Services has completed demolition, rough framing, rough mechanical, electrical and plumbing, and window replacement. They also are closing up walls and completing painting. Currently, new ductwork is being run up to the rooftop to connect to the newly installed mechanical unit.
Since the start of construction, the Science Education Department and the Center for Science and the Schools have relocated and found alternative spaces to hold classes. Graduate students working out of the wing had to be temporarily relocated as well, along with some faculty members.
The estimated date of completion is December 2018.
For more information on the project, visit https://ed.psu.edu/news/2017-10-12-news/state-of-the-art-classrooms-to-reflect-new-techniques-of-teaching-science.