Destination Project

The Destination Project is composed of three main elements.  First, high intensity science labs identified in the Diamond and Schmitt Safety & Pedagogy Study, and synergistic activities will be relocated to newly constructed facilities.  Second, the vacated space in University Hall will be revitalized for alternate users. Finally, the new construction will require the development of additional campus infrastructure to provide heating and cooling, emergency power, and other related support.

All three elements are critical to achieve success in this project.

With a Total Project Budget currently set at $270 million, and a likely duration of five or more years, the project will have a profound impact on the function and form of our University.

Pros of a new science facility include:

• Labs for teaching and research can be built to meet the most modern standards of safety and design.
• Build a facility where the management of supplies, including hazardous materials, is centralized and integrated into the building architecture.
• Build a facility with centralized instrumentation laboratories allowing for full sharing of significantly expensive instruments by many researchers and students.
• Reunite the natural science departments which are currently scattered throughout various buildings across campus.

Cons of the current science space in University Hall include:

• Significant safety concerns with science labs that originate in the University Hall building design.
• Facilities in University Hall are no longer suitable to attract the best and brightest faculty and students, and would require extensive renovations to accommodate the comprehensive university mandate.
• Current facilities do not allow students to experience the requirements of a modern lab which puts students at a disadvantage when they progress to graduate studies, other institutions and the external work environment.