University of Richmond Trustees Approve $35 Million Expansion and Renovation of Gottwald Science Center
October 11, 2002
The University of Richmond Board of Trustees has approved a $35 million renovation and expansion of Gottwald Science Center, home of the school's biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and physics programs.
Approximately 28,000 square feet of new space will be added to the building. The existing 162,000 square feet will undergo extensive renovation to include cutting-edge technology and scientific equipment. The building was constructed in 1976.
Groundbreaking is scheduled for May 2003, with completion in August 2005. The firm of Einhorn Yaffee Prescott of Boston and Washington, D.C., designer of science centers for Williams and Swarthmore colleges, has been selected as architect.
"Once the renovation and expansion are complete, our students will learn in a top-notch facility as full partners in programs steeped in hands-on research, grounded in practical applications and positioned at the center of scientific discovery," said Richmond President William E. Cooper.
New space will span parts of the existing south and west sides of the building. When complete, the facility will include a new atrium, new research laboratories and an entrance more closely aligned with the Collegiate Gothic architecture of most campus buildings. Flexibility to add future teaching and research technologies will be designed into the project.
Upgrading Gottwald is part of the university's $60 million plan to improve science facilities and programs over the next decade, intended to place Richmond among the first-choice colleges of America's top high school science students. Funding for the project will be allocated from bonds issued by the university, while officials continue to raise money through private contributions and grants.
The project also will enable a dramatic program change creating five interdisciplinary centers for scientific discovery. They include material science, environmental science, neuroscience, biological chemistry and nuclear and particle physics. Over the next 10 years, the university will add up to 18 new faculty positions and place greater emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and innovative science classes for non-majors.
"Excellence in the sciences will benefit not only the university's science departments," said Andrew Newcomb, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, "but also the humanities, fine arts, business, leadership and social science programs by attracting multi-talented high school science students to our campus."