Construction on the Biomedical and Materials Engineering Complex (BMEC) Phase 2 is about 60% complete as crews are finished framing level one and are now beginning drywall installation. Significant progress has been made in the basement where concrete has been poured, and framing is starting to go up.
“As students leave for the summer, you’ll notice even more progress,” said Shaun Allen, Facilities Design and Construction (FDC) project manager for BMEC. “One of the more unique parts of this project is its location. With a smaller work site, we’ve had to find creative ways to do our work while ensuring students can safely focus on theirs.”
Construction progress includes:
- North connector framed in and sheeted, preparing for window install
- Framing complete, drywall installation beginning on level one
- Ceiling acoustic insulation installed on ground floor
- Interior wall framing beginning on level six
- Above ceiling and in-wall mechanical electrical and plumbing (MEP) being installed on level five
BMEC included the demolition of Watts Hall and renovates existing MacQuigg Hall. An addition is being constructed that will house research and teaching labs, collaboration spaces, offices and classroom space. BMEC Phase 1, later renamed Mars G. Fontana Laboratories, opened in August 2020 and was a $59.1 million project that renovated the former Koffolt Lab to create additional research, classroom and office space.