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REXBURG, Idaho—Construction has begun on additions to
two large classroom buildings at Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg.
Because
of the addition of new baccalaureate programs, added space is needed in
both the Ezra Taft Benson Life Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Building and the Mark Austin Technical and Engineering Building.
With
a pressing need for the more academic space, the projects are moving ahead
quickly. It is hoped that concrete work will be finished this fall so
contractors can work on the buildings during the winter months, says campus
architect Rulon Nielsen.
The
Benson addition, which will be located on the east side of the existing
building near the Thomas E. Ricks gardens, includes 25,000 square feet of new
classroom and office space and 15,500 square feet of greenhouses (replacing
old greenhouses that need to be relocated).
The
contractor is Jacobsen Construction of Salt Lake City. Jacobsen recently
finished work on the new Gordon B. Hinckley Building and remodeling of the
second floor of the Austin Building.
The
Benson addition is expected to be completed in December 2003. While under
construction, student greenhouse space will be moved to two temporary
greenhouses and another campus greenhouse.
The
new addition will allow for expansion of biology programs. The addition
will house four classrooms; four labs for biochemistry, cell and molecular
biology, anatomy and physiology; a multi-use room for agronomy and
horticulture; and 11 faculty offices.
“The
primary need is for our upper division classes,” says Lou Buhrley, chairman
of the Biology Department. “The current classrooms and labs are being used
continually.”
The
10,000 square foot addition to the Austin Building will be located on the
east side of the existing structure. The contractor is Bateman-Hall of
Idaho Falls and the building is expected to be finished in August 2003.
Rudy
Puzey, dean of Physical Sciences and Engineering, explains that the Austin
addition will include two architecture and construction computer labs and a
classroom, an additional
mechanical engineering and technology computer lab and classroom,
an additional computer
classroom and faculty offices. Additional remodeling in the existing
building will include a new student study area, a disability ramp, new
lighting, new floor coverings and new entry ways on the east side. While
construction is under way, some parking along the street is being
temporarily eliminated.
During
the summer the second floor of the Austin Building was renovated to
accommodate the computer science department that has moved into the
building. The remodeled area includes new classrooms, student computer
areas, lab space and 10 faculty offices.
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