Payette breaks ground on Bridgewater State College math/science center - $75 million

According to Payette, an architectural design firm, ground has been broken for an addition and renovations to a mathematics and science center at Bridgewater State College (BSC). The $75 million project will create a state-of-the-art facility for new programs, technology, and laboratories while accommodating the college's ten-fold increase in enrolled students since the center was built in 1964. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by governor Deval Patrick, BSC president Dana Mohler-Faria, trustees, faculty, alumni, benefactors and friends of the college. The project team includes R.G. Vanderweil Engineers, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection; Lim Consultants, structural engineering; Nitsch Consulting, civil engineering; CCR Pyramid, telecommunications and security; GZA GeoEnvironmental, geotechnical engineering; The Green Roundtable, sustainable consulting; Acentech, audio/visual consulting; and Barr & Barr, construction manager. Major improvements to the existing building and the construction of a new addition, as well as the demolition of one wing of the original structure, will bring together the now-scattered biology, chemistry, earth science, geography, physics, math, and computer science departments. The multi-phased 213,000 s/f project will integrate and expand these teaching and research facilities, resulting in a cutting-edge undergraduate science program. "This project will create a state-of-the-art science complex that will provide our students with opportunities for experiential learning and undergraduate research, and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration among students and faculty," said Mohler-Faria. "The design for the renovations and addition to the math and science center will not only fundamentally change the way these disciplines are studied at BSC, it will also revitalize the heart of our main campus and significantly improve the campus space outside the building." To strengthen the connections between the new complex and the main campus, the design includes new green space that knits together several key buildings, including the gymnasium, library, and campus center. Framing the buildings and the campus' primary academic road, Park Ave., the open space offers the opportunity for pedestrians to enjoy the vibrant campus environment. "Bridgewater State College is the largest state college in the Massachusetts Public Higher Education system, and has experienced expansive growth over the past several decades," said Todd Sloane, AIA, associate principal at Payette. "The creation of this modern, state-of-the-art math and science complex will support the college's rigorous and dynamic academic environment, and provide the highest quality science education for students of today and tomorrow."