Construction Remains Underway on UN-Reno Science Buildings
By Lisa Kopochinski
RENO, Nev.—Construction remains underway on the approximately $18 million Leifson Physics and Chemistry buildings at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Construction began last fall and is slated for completion this October. One level of each building will receive ADA compliant restrooms, research facilities, and modernized office spaces.
The Leifson Physics and Chemistry Buildings were originally built in 1967 and houses the College of Science Departments of Physics and Chemistry. In support of University and College of Science research and educational objectives, the first floor of the Chemistry Building and the third floor of Leifson Physics will undergo extensive renovations to provide state-of-the-art facilities to students and staff.
The research laboratory, office spaces, and three classrooms on the first floor of the physics building are being modernized. Ventilation systems will be upgraded and expanded, and overall building safety enhanced with the addition of building-wide fire alarm systems, and fire sprinklers on all floors of each building. Due to innovative design, the Chemistry Building assignable space will increase by 1,778 square feet and the Leifson Physics Building assignable space will increase by 839 square feet. The University is using a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) construction delivery method for this project.
The general contractor on this project is Clark & Sullivan Constructors Inc. and the architect is Van Woert Bigotti Architects.
The layout of the Leifson Physics building will include three classrooms on the first floor; seven laboratory spaces; two laboratory support spaces; 11 offices; conference room; one graduate student work area; and one collaboration room.
The layout of the chemistry building will include five laboratory spaces, eight laboratory support spaces, eight offices, four graduate student workspaces, one collaboration room, one conference room, and a modernized elevator cab.
Additionally, the university is constructing the William N. Pennington Engineering building and is expected to be finished by this summer. This building will have 40 faculty rooms, updated laboratories and a cleanroom.
The new engineering building will cost $91.97 million. The State of Nevada has provided $41.5 million to provide students and faculty with better research opportunities. The university and private donors will cover the other $50.4 million.