The Ohio State University Board of Trustees approved a $1.36 billion capital spending plan at their Friday, August 29th meeting. That plan included a $15 million science/engineering building for The Ohio State University at Marion.
While conceptual design work has been underway for many years, the board’s action puts the project on the “official” project list for the university and allows the university to hire an architectural firm to begin specific design and construction drawings.
According to Ohio State Marion Dean and Director, Dr. Gregory S. Rose, of the $15 million cost, at least $12 million will be covered by internal reserves saved over the years by the campus. The remaining $3 million is expected to come from contributions by donors and friends of Ohio State Marion. Of that amount, over $1.3 million has already been raised.
“We’re excited that this project has reached this critical milestone,” said Rose.
“This action by the Board of Trustees takes us from the talking stage to the action stage,” he added.
“We can now move from concept to actual design of the spaces that will give our science and engineering students the modern labs and facilities they require,” Rose said.
“This building, coupled with the University Drive extension set to break ground this fall, a new entrance to campus, and new student housing options lifts Ohio State Marion to a new level of service to our students and the communities we serve,” he stated.
The new facility will house labs for general and organic chemistry, biology (including prairie research), physics, and engineering labs and classrooms that will allow further expansion of Ohio State Marion’s engineering program.
The new building will also include space for student and faculty research, as well as new faculty offices, classrooms, and a new greenhouse.
Current science labs were built in 1968 on the third floor of Morrill Hall.
Rose explained, “With the emphasis on STEM education and the addition of the Ohio State engineering program to our course offerings, this new space is sorely needed.”
Naming options for the new building and the spaces within it will become clearer as the design unfolds. Those interested in more about contributing to the project should contact Dave Claborn, Director of Development and Community Relations at 740-725-6360 or [email protected].
About Marion Online News
