The College’s Integrated Science and Engineering Complex was recently presented with the Associated General Contractors' Jeffrey J. Zogg Build New York Award.
The project was among six winning entries in the 30th annual competition. A nine-member committee of industry peers selected the winners based on outstanding managing skills, imagination, overcoming challenging and unusual circumstances, scheduling accomplishments and project innovation.
The most ambitious and largest in the school’s history, the $100 million project transformed the former Science and Engineering Center. Built during the late 1960s and dedicated in 1971, the center was instrumental in educating generations of students in biology, chemistry, physics and astronomy, and computer, electrical and mechanical engineering.
The College broke ground on the new 142,000-square-foot space complex in May 2017; construction was completed by summer 2020. This included an addition (Ainlay Hall) and renovation of three sections of the existing S&E Center.
Boasting bright, airy classrooms, labs, faculty offices and student study areas, the space is inviting, open and inspiring.
Featuring an acoustic wood paneling system from Switzerland at the top of the atrium, the complex includes a four-story light well that promotes visibility and connectedness among disciplines. Designed to showcase the extensive labs and high-level scientific instrumentation not typically found at a liberal arts college, the massive glass panels give students and visitors a clear view of the research taking place.
The space connects directly to the Peter Irving Wold Center, and Bailey, Butterfield and Steinmetz halls.
Working with members of Union’s Facilities Department, the project contractor was Turner Construction Company. Einhorn Yaffee Prescott of Albany was the architect and engineer.
“This project is the largest and most complex construction project in Union’s history and exemplifies the resiliency of our entire community,” said Marc Donovan ‘05, associate director of Facilities, Utilities Management and Construction.
“I enjoy seeing the collaboration of many disciplines and witnessing the learning on display, as was the vision of the architect. The effort to maintain the college experience for the students during construction cannot go understated. It is exciting to see ISEC’s impact on the campus and one can only be filled with pride, a sense of accomplishment and optimism for what the future holds at Union College.”
The Build New York Awards are named in honor of Jeffrey Zogg, the late New York president of the Associated General Contractors.