Kent State University at Stark Breaks Ground for New Sciences Building

A cake-sized replica of the new Sciences Building at Kent State University at Stark was on display during the official groundbreaking ceremony that was held adjacent to the existing Main Hall East Wing. 

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Sciences Building was held May 15 at Kent State Stark on the walkway outside of Main Hall. The project is part of the university's "Foundations of Excellence: Building the Future" initiative, which involves the construction of new buildings, facility upgrades and establishment of dynamic, new spaces. The goal of this initiative is to create the most outstanding academic experience for students, faculty, staff, alumni and the greater community enriched by the university.

The new academic building, to be constructed by architecture firm Baxter Hodell Donnelly Preston Inc., will be Kent State Starks' seventh major building on the 200-acre campus. It will be located adjacent to the existing Main Hall East Wing and connected by a bridge link at the second floor level.

A Bio-Environment for Future Scientists of the World

As science-related programs continue to flourish at Kent State Stark, the new Sciences Building, which begins construction in Fall 2013, will play a critical role in providing the necessary resources to enhance student experiences and to attract the brightest scientific minds to Stark County. The building will occupy approximately 41,140 square feet with the renovation of approximately 5,250 square feet in existing Main Hall East Wing space.

Features of this $17 million project include:

• Teaching gardens and an outdoor classroom.
• Additional lab space with contemporary designs to promote active learning in the sciences and allow each specialty to have its own laboratory and equipment, enhancing student learning and safety.
• Research space for students to gain experiential learning through collaborative research with faculty.
• Eco-friendly building features science displays to inform and engage students in all disciplines while also encouraging environmental responsibility.
• Expanded nursing simulation labs to prepare students for the clinical setting through practice and observation.
• Additional computer labs to benefit a variety of majors in science, communication, business and computer science.
  

This building will anchor the sciences at the campus and provide a platform for increased student research through hands-on education and active learning. The space is designed to meet current and future student demands and expectations.

Building Green

Continuing with Kent State Starks' commitment to reduce the environmental impact of campus operations, while promoting ecological sustainability, the Sciences Building will achieve LEED® Gold Certification through the implementation of "green" architectural elements.

For more information about Kent State Stark, visit www.stark.kent.edu.

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