New facility expected to open in 2011
Marquette University broke ground Friday on a new engineering facility, named the Discovery Learning Complex, on the south side of Wisconsin Avenue between 16th and 17th streets.
When complete, the five-story, 115,000-square-foot building will feature the university’s new Discover Learning Laboratory, a separate, two-story engineering materials and structural testing lab, additional research and teaching labs, common areas for students and office space for faculty. The building is expected to be ready for occupancy by August, 2011.
The $35 million engineering facility is the first phase of an anticipated $100 million, 250,000 square foot facility named the Discovery Learning Complex, the university said. To date, the university has raised $70 million in cash and long-term pledges. It is aggressively fundraising another $50 million in cash to complete the engineering campus.
“With a history that spans more than a century, Marquette’s College of Engineering continues to educate engineers with the highest level of technical skill,” said the Rev. Robert Wild, S.J., president of Marquette University. “Today we demand even more of our engineers. This new facility will foster the development of the skills we need in the 21st century – innovative thinking, creative problem solving of real world issues, and experience in team dynamics.”
The Discovery Learning Complex was designed by Opus North Corp. and Hammel, Green and Abrahamson (HGA), and the university hopes it help attract future generations of engineering students.
“Our students and faculty will work with local industries and businesses in the development and design of innovative, real-world products, processes and services,” said Opus Dean of Engineering Stan Jaskolski. “In addition, this showcase facility will inspire elementary, middle and high school students to consider engineering careers as they participate in hands-on, exciting projects and innovative discoveries.”
To see a slideshow of the groundbreaking, click here.
