The New Science Building Bounces Back
It was rumored mold was found within the building causing a complete shutdown of construction. This was false. Photo by Dalen Dahl

The New Science Building Bounces Back

In spring of 2017, Stevens Point seemed filled with days of harsh weather and cloudy days.

According to the U.S Climate Data, in April, the average precipitation reached a high of 2.95 inches of rain per day, followed with a max wind speed of 17 mph.

For months, issues of fallen trees, shingles stripped from roofs and small floods worried those in the area; especially those on campus.

The construction of the new science building was brought to a halt due to this unforeseen weather.

The construction of the building started in April of 2016 and is set to house three 48-seat classrooms, two 55-seat classrooms, two 24-seat classrooms, two 96-seat lecture halls plus research and teaching labs.

With the building being both free-standing and having large construction, the university hired Potter Lawson, Inc., and HOK to design the structure while Miron Construction Co., Inc., was to construct the project. The building was originally set to be finished in the spring of 2018, however, this date must now be pushed back.

Photo by Dalen Dahl.

The building was originally set to be finished in the spring of 2018, however, this date must now be pushed back.Photo by Dalen Dahl.

With harsh weather, it was rumored mold was found within the building causing a complete shutdown of construction. This was false.

Because the building was in the middle of construction, many areas were vulnerable to heavy wind and rains, causing a mild leakage into the construction site.  With 150 men working on the site daily, the problem was quickly addressed.

The compromised enclosures were repaired in a timely matter, and the damages have since been repaired or replaced. The completion date is said to be slightly set back, however, a specific date could not be given.

It is also not known if the project budget of $75.18 million will be exceeded due to damages and repairs. With a setback in construction, it is unsure if the incoming class of 2018 will be welcomed with a new science building.

Even before completion, the building continuously draws students in. According to the Communication and Marketing University on campus, not only is the building set to meet LEED standards, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design but help further the 2,000+ students planning on majoring in the science field.

Kallie Fowler

Reporter

Kfowl429@uwsp.edu

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