By Bri Brands
Various facilities projects in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences have been underway over the summer, with many complete just in time for the 2025-26 academic year.
The projects will allow for CLAS students, staff, and faculty to increase productivity and creativity in updated, modernized spaces.
Learn more about these completed and ongoing projects in CLAS.
Health Sciences Academic Building
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders has moved into the brand new $249 million Health Sciences Academic Building, as the building is now substantially completed.
Final completion is slated for summer 2026, with the Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology on track to move in early 2026.
Upon completion, the building will also be home to the Carver College of Medicine’s Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science program.
You can follow construction progress by watching the project’s webcam.
Van Allen Hall
A $6.9 million renovation that will transform the seventh floor of Van Allen Hall into a new space science facility with clean rooms and state-of-the-art instrumentation is nearing completion.
Funded by UI central administration with equipment provided by a grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, the project also includes installing protection from lightning and new windows. Work is anticipated to be done in September.
Conference room 309 in Van Allen Hall was also renovated over the summer with CLAS funds.
Updates include built-in cabinetry, a counter with sink for food and beverages, painting the wood paneling, upgrading to LED lighting, installing new luxury vinyl tile flooring, and replacing window shades.
Becker Communication Studies Building
Computer classroom 300 in the Becker Communication Studies Building now supports enhanced opportunities for students after a $160,000 renovation over the summer.
The project, funded by student technology fees, removed walls that previously divided the room and allowed for the installation of new carpet, audio and video equipment, and new furniture.
MacLean Hall
CLAS and the Department of Mathematics helped fund updates totaling $70,000 for improved facilities in MacLean Hall. Work was completed over the summer.
A previously unused cubicle office in the Department of Mathematics now serves as a conference room, with fully functional audio and video capabilities.
Students will also have the opportunity to relax in an updated student lounge, complete with a fresh paint job and brand-new furniture.
Trowbridge Hall
As Trowbridge Hall is now home to the new School for the Earth, Environment, and Sustainability, it has been undergoing renovations to its appearance and infrastructure.
CLAS and student technology fees funded a $45,000 renovation of the computer lab, bringing in new furniture and a fresh coat of paint.
Generous alumni donors funded a $450,000 remodel of the lobby and the modernization of student common areas.