Industry partners lead effort to renovate Industrial Sciences Building

FORT COLLINS –The historical Industrial Sciences Building in the Department of Construction Management in the College of Applied Human Sciences will undergo an extensive renovation with funding provided by construction and mechanical contracting firms.

A ceremony on campus in April unveiled the project that marks unprecedented partnerships with industry and the university. Photos from the ceremony can be viewed at www.cahs.colostate.edu/spotlight/college/cm/index.html

Work is set to begin later this spring on the $4 million Preconstruction Center, all privately funded through donations and in-kind products and services. The building, constructed in 1883, will be completely renovated because of the commitment of 13 area construction and mechanical contracting firms. The renovation will feature a state-of-the-art preconstruction laboratory, classrooms, lecture hall, study lounge, technology center and public spaces. Several renovated rooms will bear the names of the firms that donated to give new life and a more useful future to one of the university's historical landmarks.

Ed Haselden, president of Haselden Construction in Centennial and a member of the Board of Governors of the CSU System that oversees the university, led with the initial donation to renovate current classroom and laboratory space into the preconstruction laboratory, a space that will offer six large cubicle spaces for students to form their own "companies." These capstone experiences will prepare students to be industry-ready before their internships or employment after graduation. Haselden spoke at the ceremony and lauded the University for working to meet the needs of the construction industry by providing a high quality education to students.

Colorado State University President Larry Edward Penley attended the ceremony and spoke about the benefits of this outstanding partnership with the construction industry, and how it will benefit students. "Ed Haselden demonstrated the same vision and determination in championing this project that he brings to his role on the Board of Governors," said Penley. "The industry leaders who have supported this center are investing in a well-educated, highly professional workforce that will be uniquely prepared to hit the ground running when they graduate, entering the professional world with the background to be successful and to contribute to the success of the construction industry overall."

Saunders Construction Inc., another Denver-area based company, will fund the renovation of old laboratory space into the preconstruction lecture hall. PCL Construction of Denver has committed funds for the Laurel Street entrance lobby and adjoining classroom. Hensel Phelps Construction of Greeley will fund the northwest classroom, and G.E. Johnson of Colorado Springs and Denver is sponsoring renovations to the lobby and entrance off CSU's historic Oval. Gerald H. Phipps' support will renovate a student study room in the heart of the building.

The second floor technology lab will be requested to be named for a group of mechanical contractors who are coming together to fund the building's plumbing and heating operations. They include Mechanical Contractors Association, U.S. Engineering, Trautman and Shreve, Murphy Company and Braconier Plumbing and Heating.

Renovation of the courtyard off the Oval will be sponsored in partnership by Concrete Frame Associates and Valley Crest Landscaping of Denver.

April Mason, dean of the College of Applied Human Sciences, recognized Emeritus Department Head Larry Grosse, who retired in January 2007, for his early vision of the renovation and for securing some of the inaugural sponsorships. Grosse advocated for the project to be a collaborative venture from the beginning, and this vision continued under current department head, Mostafa Khattab.

Mason said, “The construction industry is by nature very competitive. In everyday business, industry members stand toe-to-toe --- bidding on projects, marketing their companies, and developing innovative ways to serve their customers better than anyone else. Today, however, they stand shoulder-to-shoulder in an effort that we believe is the first of its kind at any university. Together they are sponsoring individual rooms in this building, which will transform it into a Preconstruction Center.”

Construction Management Department Head Mostafa Khattab spoke about the construction management program and how it has evolved into a program of stature at Colorado State University, with an outstanding national reputation. Khattab said, “What we are celebrating today is a partnership between higher education and our industry, a partnership that will impact the future of construction education at Colorado State. I want to thank our friends and colleagues from the construction industry for their support.”

Construction Management student John Anest, who serves as the Construction Management Student Board president, spoke about what the donations mean to the students, “Students in this program are very fortunate to have such involved industry members investing in our education through renovation of this facility. Students are increasingly more involved in clubs, competition, and projects, and these additional classes and work areas will guide us to become the professionals the industry is looking for.”

Built during the historic period known as the Pioneer Era during 1870-1909, the Industrial Sciences building represents Colorado Agricultural College's move toward a broad-based concept of education beyond the disciplines of Agricultural Studies. It is one of the few remaining structures from this period of campus development.

Formerly known as the Mechanic Shop, its name was changed in the 1890s to The Mechanical Engineering Building. In 1959, the name changed to the Arts Building, in 1969 to Arts-Industrial, and in 1972 to Industrial Sciences. The foundry in the building played an important part in World War II by serving as a valuable production center during the war.

Originally constructed for work in mechanical engineering, it now serves the Department of Construction Management.

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Contact:  Lori Sims
Telephone:  970.491.5669
Email:  Lori.Sims@colostate.edu