E, F building renovations on track

Renovations to Governors State University's E and F buildings are approaching completion. Since the Chicago Heights Construction Company began work on the much needed renovations in October 2011, much progress has been made. Governors State University received a $2.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation Academic Research Infrastructure, as well as $22 million funded by the Illinois Capital Development board for the 80,000 square foot renovation.
The E and F buildings are home to the biology, chemistry, nursing, communication disorders, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and math departments. The renovations include new equipment for students in these programs to use in their work. Four labs were already in use over the summer and the teaching labs are currently holding classes.
"Every day we are better unpacked," said Karen D'Arcy, Ph.D., Professor of Analytical Chemistryand Principle Investigator for the
NSF-ARI grant.
The renovations are a huge improvement to the F building, which was original built in 1972. According to D'Arcy, the labs also incorporate modern safety features that bring Governors State University up to code. The Illinois Capital Development Board has already invested $600,000 in new equipment to make sure that students and faculty are working in safe environments.
"It is more than a renovation," said D'Arcy, "it is an investment in modern science and health science equipment that students need to learn to use for modern jobs."
The renovations have been divided into two phases. Last week the Illinois Capital Development Board declared phase one of the
renovations complete. The project is now in phase two of the renovation process, with its current priority being the F building's lecture hall. In addition to new seats and walls, the hall will also be gaining new equipment as well.
"The new technology is quite sophisticated," said D'Arcy. "The equipment cost about $100,000 and will be used for teaching and showing films."
The renovations to the lecture hall, which mainly hosts classes for the departments in the E & F buildings, are also aimed at supporting film and digital media for the university's fine arts program. Two new projectors will be added, including one capable of
3D, as well as a new surround sound system.
"We envision a future in which we'll be able to host film festivals," said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Reinhold Hill.