UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A new Physics Building and the renovation of Osmond Laboratory on the University Park campus moved a step closer today (Nov. 14) with the recommendation for approval of ZGF Architects LLC of Washington, D.C., as the architect on that project, by the Penn State Board of Trustees Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning. The recommendation goes to the full board for consideration on Nov. 15.
The Physics Building project is planned as both a new freestanding facility and a renovation to the east wing of Osmond Lab. The new building will be located on the Osmond parking lot, at approximately 105,000 gross square feet, and will house a significant number of research laboratories, faculty and graduate student offices, administrative support areas, and a 350-seat lecture hall.
Following construction of the new building, the project will then proceed to renovate the east wing of the existing Osmond Lab (the wing that is perpendicular to Pollock Road) and also calls for the demolition of the existing rear lecture hall wing of Osmond Lab. The renovation of the Osmond wing will encompass approximately 47,000 gross square feet taht will be converted into new teaching labs, preparation/support space and seminar rooms, as well as provide a renovated building core. The project also will include a new subsurface stormwater detention facility.
"Our physics department is already among the best in the country, and this project will further strengthen and support it with new, state-of-the-art teaching and research space to continue attracting and retaining highly sought-after faculty – while training the next generation of top scientists," said Doug Cavener, Verne M. Willaman Dean of the Eberly College of Science.
Construction is anticipated to begin in October 2021, with planned occupancy of the new building on or around December 2023.