New Construction
The University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Mass., recently began construction on a new home for the School of Public Health & Health Services (SPHHS), whose current academic spaces are currently scattered around campus, according to a news release.
New Construction
The University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla., recently announced that it will soon begin construction on a new academic building for the department of agricultural and biological engineering (ABE), according to a news release. The W.W. Glenn Teaching Building is scheduled to begin construction by the end of 2024 and finish by August 2025, in time for the new academic year.
Adaptive Reuse
The Hillbrook School in San José, Calif., recently announced that one of its two adaptive reuse projects on campus is complete, according to a news release. The school partnered with Anderson Brulé Architects and Swenson Development & Construction to convert an armory—built in 1934 and used by the National Guard during World War II—into a new academic space, the Arts & Athletics Center.
New Construction
DIGroup Architecture recently announced that it has been selected to design a new Hall of Science & Entrepreneurship at Saddle River Day School, a PreK¬–12 school in Saddle River, N.J., according to a news release. The project is part of the larger, schoolwide “Building the Future Campaign,” and its purpose is to promote critical thinking, scientific exploration, and an entrepreneurial spirit within the learning environment.
Theater and Performing Arts
Wenger Corporation, which provides solutions for performing arts and music education spaces, recently launched a free educational resource guide, “Rigging Guide for Performance Spaces.” The 32-page e-book is available on the company website and provides a background in the technical knowledge required to help administrators and educators make decisions in the planning process.
Campus Renovations
Tennessee College of Applied Tech Memphis (TCAT Memphis) in Memphis, Tenn., recently announced that it has approved documents from DLR Group and 4FDesign for an upcoming multi-phased renovation project, a news release reports. DLR Group previously completed the college’s 2020 TCAT Statewide Master Plan Update.
New Contruction
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Milwaukee, Wis., recently celebrated the grand opening of a new Chemistry Building, according to a news release. The facility measures in at 163,400 square feet, stands four stories, and has the capacity for about 5,000 chemistry and biochemistry students.
Facilities Management
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) recently released a guide to understanding and using AI in built environments, according to a news release. “Gamechanger: A Facility Manager’s Guide to Building a Relationship with AI” is available to IFMA members through IFMA’s Knowledge Library.
New Construction
Edgecombe County Public Schools in Edgecombe, N.C., recently announced that it has received government funding to go toward the development of the new North Edgecombe School of Innovation, according to a news release.
New Construction
General contracting, construction management, and design-build services provider Balfour Beatty recently announced that two of its joint venture teams were selected by the Crowley Independent School District (CISD) in Fort Worth, Texas, for a series of district construction projects.
Sustainability
Fellowes, a worldwide provider of WorkLife needs product solutions, recently announced that it will be a Platinum sponsor of the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges program, according to a news release. The program from the Healthy Schools Campaign is intended to help facility professionals improve the educational experience for students and staff through sustainable facility operations and green schools.
New Construction
The Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) in Milpitas, Calif., recently announced that Phase Two of construction is complete on the MUSD Innovation Campus, according to a news release. The district is partnering with Blach Construction and Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) on the education and workforce development center, which will support Calaveras Hills High School.
New Construction
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) in Prince William County, Va., recently broke ground on Occoquan Elementary School, according to a news release. The new facility will become the district’s first net-zero school and replace its oldest facility. The school is scheduled to open for the fall 2026 semester.
Campus Renovations
Minneapolis Public Schools in Minneapolis, Minn., is working with integrated construction management firm Kraus-Anderson on renovations to North High School that include a new Career & Technical Education (CTE) Center, according to a news release. The three major components of the project are new academic and athletic spaces, a new central student commons, and a North CTE Center.
Campus Funds
Adelphi University in Garden City, N.Y., recently launched The Momentum Campaign: Extraordinary Impact, a $100-million fundraising initiative, at a gala on campus, according to a news release. The campaign is set to last through 2027 and fund six strategic priorities to improve success on campus.
New Construction
Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, recently completed construction on a new home for the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine, according to a news release. Arnold Hall, standing four stories and covering 95,000 square feet, is the university’s first major off-campus development.
Campus Renovations
Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., recently began construction on a $137-million renovation project to one of its largest academic buildings, according to local news.
Last week, one of the three wings of Clark Hall (“Clark B”) was demolished to clear the way for a ground-up replacement.
Campus Renovations
The University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Gray Design Building, the new home for the College of Design. The renovated building formerly served as a tobacco warehouse that had been empty for years, according to a news release.
Staff Promotions
Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that it has appointed Dr. Kati Peditto, Ph.D., EDAC, as the new senior design researcher for its research team, according to a news release. Peditto is a design psychologist who specializes in inclusive design and neurodiversity, joining the firm’s office in Denver, Colo.
Building Envelope
IMETCO recently announced the release of the IntelliWrap PR self-adhering roofing underlayment, which provides a water- and air-tight, vapor-permeable seal for roofing systems. The product was designed for steep slopes (2:12 or more) of standing seam metal, clay tile, slate tile, cedar shingle roofs, and more.
Smart Lockers
LocknCharge, a developer of mobile phone charging, storing, security, and technology management solutions, recently launched the new FUYL Enhanced Smart Locker System, according to a news release. The app-based kiosk allows self-serve access to devices while also providing full security and control.
New Construction
St. John’s University in New York, N.Y., recently held a dedication ceremony for the new St. Vincent Health Sciences Center, according to a news release. The fully-energy efficient, sustainable, and all-electric facility will serve as an academic building for the university’s healthcare students.
New Construction
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently issued a construction permit to Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas, to build the Natural Resources molten salt reactor, according to a news release. The Natura MSR-1 will become the first NRC-licensed liquid fueled salt reactor in U.S. history and the first U.S. university research reactor that has been approved in more than 30 years.
Staff Promotions
Pfluger Architects in Austin, Texas, recently announced that it has appointed business leader Lauren Paver as its new Chief Operating Officer, according to a news release. In her new role, she’ll lead operational strategies for the firm’s five locations and 130 employees in Texas.
New Construction
College Station ISD (CSISD) in College Station, Texas, recently held a grand opening ceremony for the district’s new Agriculture Science Center (ASC), according to a news release. Amenities include about a hundred pens for animal housing, washing and grooming stations specialized by animal species, and a practice arena.
New Construction
The Georgia Gwinnett College (GCC) Gateway Building and Infrastructure project in Lawrenceville, Ga., is on track for its November 2024 completion date, according to a news release.
New Construction
Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., recently announced that construction has begun on a new performing arts center for the campus, according to a news release. The David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Creativity & Performance will serve as the new home for the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.), as well as a wide variety of performances, public gatherings, teaching opportunities, and international research.
New Construction
North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D., recently announced that construction is complete on its newest agricultural facility. The Peltier Complex will play home to research in fields like food science, meat science, muscle biology, food safety and nutrition, consumer sensory traits, and developing new agricultural products, according to a news release.
Life Safety
Commercial loudspeaker manufacturer Quam recently announced the release of its UL24 Series, a tile-replacement loudspeaker featuring both a paging speaker and a fire signaling speaker, according to a news release.
Campus Technology
K–12 virtual reality technology solutions company Avantis Education recently announced that it has received an Educators Pick Best of STEM 2024 Award, according to a news release. For the second consecutive year, Avantis’ ClassVR product won the category of “Trailblazer: Immersive Reality (AR/VR).”
Staff Promotions
Architectural planning and design firm PBK recently named Danny Berger as the new Managing Principal for its Dallas office, according to a news release. He’ll fill the role following the retirement of Rick Blan on Oct. 31 after almost 30 years with the firm.
Research
Furniture solutions manufacturer KI recently announced alongside the Center for Advanced Design Research and Evaluation (CADRE) that it will become a founding sponsor for the Coalition for the Advanced Understanding of School Environments (CAUSE). A news release reports that the coalition’s research will focus on the relationship between K–12 physical environments and educational outcomes.
Campus Technology
Digital learning company Pearson has launched several new AI-powered tools to help provide students personalized help from within their e-textbooks or study platforms.
Campus Technology
Purdue University has officially opened a new gaming lounge for students training and competing in esports as well as casual gamers. The institution partnered with Dell Technologies to outfit the 2,000-square-foot-space with Alienware gaming equipment.
New Construction
Forte Construction Corp. recently announced that it has completed construction on P.S. 487, a new four-story elementary school in the South Bronx, according to a news release. The school is open for the current academic year and will serve more than 500 students in grades PreK–5.
Dining and Food Service
The Chef Ann Foundation recently announced that it has awarded 29 grants to 15 school districts around the U.S. to go toward purchasing milk in bulk instead of single-serve containers. The Bulk Milk program is in its second year and provides recipients with the equipment, training, and materials required for schools to make the shift, according to a news release.
New Construction
Part of a whole-site modernization project at Mira Mesa High School in San Diego, Calif., recently reached a construction milestone. The final steel beam of the new classroom and student services facility was put into place, completing the building’s structural framework.
New Construction
Saint Francis University in Loretto, Penn., recently held a Blessing and Dedication ceremony for its new Aviation Education Center at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, according to a news release. The building’s opening coincides with the inaugural year of the university’s FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program.
Campus Renovations
Riverside City College recently announced the completion of a $29.3-million renovation project, according to a news release. The college partnered with Nineteen Six Architects and builder C.W. Driver Companies to convert a 1960s-era academic building into a new Business, Law, and Computer Information Systems Building.
New Construction
Multidisciplinary consultancy Pick Everard recently announced that construction is complete on a new specialist school for students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in Shepshed, Leicestershire, England, according to a news release. Bowman Academy will open in September 2024 and serve students ages 4–16.