WestConn To Break Ground

For New Science Building

DANBURY — Lt Gov M. Jodi Rell and Commissioner T.R. Anson of the Connecticut Department of Public Works will join Western Connecticut State University President James R. Roach September 23, at 2:30 pm, for a groundbreaking ceremony marking construction of a new science building on the university’s midtown campus.

When completed in spring 2005, the three-story building will house WestConn’s chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy, and meteorology departments, as well as the WestConn Weather Station. Occupying 122,000 square feet, the new structure will contain science laboratories, general classrooms, lecture halls, an astronomy observatory, a greenhouse, faculty space, and administrative areas.

It will replace the 88,000-square-foot Higgins Hall, current home to these departments, which was originally built in 1949.

In announcing the state’s $41 million construction grant last October, Gov John G Rowland said, “This science complex will be a sparkling gem on the WestConn campus. It will be a state-of-the-art facility and I’m proud to make this investment because it will provide us with long-term dividends.”

The science building will have a brick veneer with precise and metal panel accents and will contain a aluminum and glass window system. It’s location on the midtown campus on 7th Avenue was previously occupied by the university’s football field. A new 2,500-seat stadium on WestConn’s Westside campus will host the Colonials’ first game on Saturday, September 13.