Fitchburg State University Dedicates Science Complex

May 20, 2015 1878 Views AAJ, Caleb Dirckx, CmPS, Community Problem Solving, Eastern U.S., Gov. Larry Hogan, James T. Powers, LEED for Existing Buildings, Maryland State Education Association, MSEA, Teaching Strategies GOLD

FITCHBURG, Mass. — Fitchburg State University recently dedicated its new $57 million, LEED Silver Antonucci Science Complex, which provides laboratory, research and classroom facilities in a single location.

Composed of the newly renovated 45,000-square-foot Condike Wing (part of the Condike Science Building) and a more than 55,000-square-foot addition — including a 3,000-square-foot structure linking the two — the facility spans more than 100,000 square feet. The Condike Science Building was originally constructed in the 1960s, and was renovated and expanded to provide students with a new integrated science facility for the chemistry, biology, physics and geophysical science disciplines. Though the building itself was solidly built, its mechanical and electrical systems were past their prime and the structure was no longer suited for today’s science education.

Following the overhaul and expansion, the new Antonucci Science Complex includes modern, state-of-the-art classroom and laboratory amenities, as well as an auditorium-style lecture hall. The building’s design focuses on a “shared science” program that encourages collaborative approaches to science instruction.

The first new academic facility on the Fitchburg State campus since 1963, the complex was funded by the Commonwealth through the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, designed by CBT Architects of Boston, and built by construction management and general contracting firm Bond of Everett, Mass.

Work on the complex began in 2010 and was completed in two phases. The topographically challenging site required extensive enabling prior to the construction of the addition, according to a statement by Bond. Once the facility’s expansion was complete, the construction team used the addition as swing space to allow for renovations. The design and construction teams worked collaboratively to deliver the project using Building Information Modeling (BIM). This facilitated the smooth integration of complex laboratory MEP systems into the building, and provided many budgeting, scheduling and constructability insights throughout the project.

“The Antonucci Science Complex epitomizes a 21st century atmosphere for learning,” said Robert Murray, Bond president, in a statement. “Bond is thrilled to provide the Fitchburg State campus with a modern building designed to match the ever-changing needs of the university’s scientific curriculum.”

Named after former Fitchburg State University President Robert Antonucci, who served in the role for 12 years before his June 2015 retirement, and wife Jeanne Antonucci, the facility is a testament to the couple’s commitment to the university. Much of President Antonucci’s tenure was devoted to improving campus facilities, infrastructure and technology through a number of capital improvement projects, and to developing an up-to-date strategic plan. Both President Antonucci and Jeanne Antonucci also earned degrees from the university.

“The science complex is a fitting symbol of President and Mrs. Antonucci’s leadership and service to Fitchburg State,” Board of Trustees Chairman Martin F. Connors Jr. said in an April 2015 statement. “Their devotion to the institution and its students is legendary, and we are honored that this magnificent building will bear their names.”