It’s Summer, Which Means It’s Campus Construction Season
Several construction and renovation projects are under way on the Alma campus. When completed, students will have access to new high-tech academic space in the Dow Science Center and improved student housing options.
Students may be on summer break, but the Alma College campus remains busy with numerous campus improvement activities.
Construction and renovation projects totaling more than $6 million are proceeding on the Alma campus. When completed, students will have access to new high-tech academic space in the Dow Science Center and improved student housing options.
“Summer is typically an ideal time to focus on construction and improvement projects, and this summer is no exception with a cross section of projects that address strategic priorities for learning and student life,” says Jeff Abernathy, Alma College president.
Work began this month on renovations totaling $2 million to the Dow Science Center. The project involves the conversion of an open-air courtyard to new academic space for science instruction and research. Two interior floors will be constructed — a 2,584-square-foot lower level and a 1,872-square-foot upper level that looks down over the building’s main lobby.
Located within this space will be the Dow Digital Science Center, which will provide a research laboratory for students and faculty to analyze environmental data acquired through remote sensors. This space also supports collaboration between Alma’s science faculty and local public school teachers in K-12 science classes throughout central Michigan. The construction project is expected to continue through the fall, with estimated completion by January 2018.
This is the final phase of a three-year remodeling program designed to renovate Gelston Hall for the 21st century. When completed, Gelston Hall will house 229 students. In addition, improvements to several other student residences are under way, preparing the campus for another large incoming class this fall.