Science Building 2 nearing completion

According to Project Manager Mark Fujii, the project is on schedule and no major setbacks have been encountered. So far the renovation has totaled $46 million, according to PSU Facilities and Planning.

The project, which began in September 2009 and is slated for completion by March 2011, already boasts a number of improvements, including seismic updating and consolidation of machinery.

However, the most significant improvement is the new hazardous waste management facility at its southwest corner. Previously, Science Building 2 lacked the appropriate facilities to manage hazardous waste.

According to Fujii, the green lights, exposed ductwork and lime green interior walls serve the purpose of giving the structure a more “science-y” feel [sic]. This theme is repeated throughout the building.

In addition, one student study area and lounge is a virtual natural history museum, with several animal skeletons on display, including a lion, a grizzly bear and a small whale. 

Further upgrades to Science Building 2 regard the “expansion and modernization of labs and teaching space,” according to Facilities and Planning’s website. These include seismic, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and building code upgrades.

Fujii said the remodel project was necessary to upgrade the building’s 40-some-year old mechanical systems with new, more energy-efficient systems.

“There was nothing inherently wrong with the structure for the time it was built,” Fujii said. “However, much has been learned over the past four decades about a building’s behavior during a seismic event and [Science Building 2] is being upgraded to withstand modern seismic codes.”

Overview of Science Building 2 costs

According to Facilities and Planning, the overall $46 million came from:

• $26.3 million in state deferred maintenance funds
• $19 million in state general funds, bonds, federal funds and economic stimulus funds