CSE Science Labs Undergo Renovation
Posted on July 17, 2010
Construction is currently underway for renovating two science labs at the College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE).
The College received two federal grants to renovate the existing Organic Chemistry and General Chemistry science labs located in Henderson Hall, including a lab prep room shared by both labs, and a 20 person lecture room adjacent to the labs. Total area of the renovated space is approximately 5,000 square feet.
According to Project Lead Jim Gerrish, Director of Special Projects at the College, the construction work is progressing on schedule and within the budget established. Located on the second floor of Henderson Hall, the Chemistry labs have not undergone any significant renovation since they were constructed in the early 1960’s. “While they have served the College very well over the years,” says Gerrish, “they were showing the signs of age and extensive use.”
Aged equipment and furnishings will be replaced with modern casework and many new fume hoods. SMART classroom technologies will exist in the labs and lecture room that will promote greater interactivity between faculty and students. Glass windows and doors will bring the excitement of what is happening inside the labs to others in the hallway corridor, Gerrish explains.
The College conducted a competitive bid search for both an architect and general contractor that had lab renovation experience in higher education. After careful review and consideration, the project was awarded to The RBA Group of Parsippany, NJ (architect), and The Leegis Group of Union, NJ (general contractor).
The Chemistry lab construction work will be completed in the fall 2010, with the renovated General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry labs being available for faculty and student use beginning with the spring semester, 2011. In the meantime, alternate scheduling arrangements and use of other labs within the building will enable student to complete their degree requirements on schedule. The extensive utility work required in the ceiling of the Biology labs (below Chemistry) will be completed in early August, in time for their use in the fall semester.
“We hope that you share in our excitement about the new lab spaces for our students as we continue to grow our science programs at the College,” says Gerrish. “And we cannot forget Biology, improvements to their lab facilities will be planned as funding becomes available.”
