The construction phase for the College’s long-anticipated IDEA Center has begun! Preparation of the site began with the arrival of the first heavy equipment in November 2011 and continued throughout December.
The three-story science facility, scheduled for completion by fall 2013, is the next significant step in Austin College’s strategy to integrate science and technology into the liberal arts curriculum and maintain a competitive program in these fields, said Austin College President Marjorie Hass. “A liberal arts education fosters and develops an inquisitive mind, a thirst and excitement for discovery, and a fearless, entrepreneurial spirit. Our goal is to make this type of education accessible to all our students to equip them to be successful throughout their lives,” she said.
Hunt Construction Group, general contractor for the project, is “renowned for expertise in LEED/green initiatives and building biomedical research facilities nationwide,” said Heidi Ellis, Austin College vice president for Business Affairs. Other major partners for this effort include American Bank of Texas in Sherman, Dallas-based Pritchard Associates as project management consultants, and Page Southerland Page, also based in Dallas, as the architect of record. Conceptual design for the building was completed by Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbott of Boston, Massachusetts.
Read more about the IDEA Center and see construction photos.
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