Construction begins on the renovations planned for the School of Human Ecology building this Friday at 3:30 p.m.
The new facility will extend into what was previously the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, as well as the on-campus Preschool Laboratory.
Doris Green, the School of Human Ecology's university relations specialist, points to the convenience of joining the three programs as the main benefit.
""[The School of Human Ecology] hasn't had a major renovation or addition since 1953, and this will enable all the programs of the school to be located within one building again,"" Green said.
The project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2012.
The renovation will include the addition of a café as well as space for student organizations and informal group gatherings. Other improvementss include an increased accessibility for individuals with disabilities and underground parking access for the preschool.
The renovation has been ranked at a gold level for energy and environmental design by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, an accreditation of professionals that hold standards for eco-friendly building designs.
Green said sustainability is important in university construction projects.
""Green-building fits in with the school's mission to improve the quality of human life, putting people first,"" she said.
The project is funded by generous donations from alumna Nancy Johnson Nicholas and her husband, Albert Nicholas. Elliot and Frances Lehman and Kohl's Department Store also donated funds.
Chancellor Biddy Martin, Gov. Jim Doyle and the School of Human Ecology's Dean, Robin Douthitt, will attend the ground-breaking, which will be followed by a celebratory reception.
