Eastern Michigan University’s request for $30 million in state funding to renovate its science building, which contains many of the university’s science, technology, engineering, mathematics lab classrooms is one step closer to becoming a reality. Approved by the Michigan House and Senate this week, it now awaits Gov. Rick Snyder’s signature.
The makeover of the 80,713-square-foot Strong Hall structure, which is part of the university’s Science Complex, will include modernizing classrooms, labs, lecture halls, student commons areas, and faculty offices, along with creating flexible use spaces for research and instruction, and updating architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical systems.
The overhauls, which are set to begin in January 2017, is are estimated at $39.5 million. At a funding mix of 75 percent state and 25 percent university, Eastern Michigan’s cost share would be $9.9 million.
The university invested $90 million in the renovation of its adjacent Mark Jefferson Building and the construction of 80,000 square feet of new academic facilities, which are both part of its Science Complex.
The renovation of Strong Hall will complete the university’s Science Complex project.
“The Strong Hall project, along with the $90-million, self-funded addition and renovation of the Science Complex, demonstrates the University’s commitment to the sciences, and will result in first-class facilities on Eastern’s campus,” says Don Loppnow, interim president at Eastern Michigan. “I’m excited to think of what we’ll be able to offer our students in terms of the classroom and laboratory experience and academic options.”
