Creator

Clinton Lewis

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Creation Date

4-5-2016

Description

Ground broken for Ogden College Hall

Ogden College Hall
Other Names - Ogden Science Building

Groundbreaking - April 5, 2016
Built - December 2017
Dedication - Feb. 19, 2018
Architects - RossTarrant Architects, Lexington, KY
Cost - $40 million
Size - 80,000 square feet
Architectural style - modern

Building History:
On January 27, 2015, the North Wing of the Thompson Complex was fully bulldozed, a process that began over winter break. The bulldozing was part of a "master plan" to remodel the mathematics and science campus. Construction of the new building was to begin in December of 2015. However, none of the bids during that month could cover the budget. Through a process called value engineering, further examination of the current plans revealed a feasible obstacle. One of the features in the current plans was a connection to Snell Hall. There were concerns that the proximity to Snell Hall would allow construction noise to distract students during classes.

On April 5th, 2016, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to begin construction. By January 24, 2017, the primary structure was completed, and the roof 95% done. Construction was completed in mid-December 2017, and opened on time for winter semester classes in 2018.

The four story building houses 36 labs for biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, biodiversity, biochemistry and materials science; Dean's office suite for Ogden College of Science & Engineering; student success center and advising offices; 300-seat auditorium; student lounges and study areas; display areas; stock room and supply storage.

Sustainability: Building designed to meet energy efficiency goals; wood on wall of first floor student lounge came from a cypress tree removed from the site; wood behind auditorium podium came from black walnut tree removed from the site.

In memory: Corner of building includes a stone with name of construction worker who died on site, "In memory of Jose Antonio Tello Romero."

View from the Hill - Ogden College Hall Welcomes Students on Monday, 1/19/2018

Researched and revised by Sean Feole, spring 2018

Keywords

Western Kentucky University

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