A massive renovation of UConn’s Edward V. Gant Science Complex, which is entering its third phase, is expected to cost an additional $121.5 million.
The uptick brings the total cost of the project to about $290 million.
Today, UConn’s board of trustees is expected to approve an additional $21.5 million to begin the third and final phase of the renovation.
The money will allow the design of the third phase to be completed and for demolition and environmental remediation to begin, members of the board of trustees’ finance committee said during a meeting Tuesday.
In addition, the $21.5 million allocation will be used to purchase long-lead items for the last phase of construction.
The project will go out to bid this summer. After that, the board will request the remaining $100 million, committee members said.
The landmark academic building on UConn’s Storrs campus features three wings for the math, physics and materials sciences departments, including dozens of classrooms and labs. It’s also home to the Up & Atom Cafe.
The U-shaped building currently spans 285,000 square feet. The renovation will add 25,000 square feet of new space.
As part of the project, the building facade and roof are being reconstructed to provide better energy performance. Also, the exterior and plaza areas are being improved to make them “more inviting and accessible.”
The first two phases, which included work on the south and west wings, and the addition of an amenity space, have been completed and are being used by UConn students and staff.
Phase one was completed in 2019, and phase two was completed in 2021.
Phase three, which includes the north wing renovation and expansion, is expected to be finished in fall 2027.
The goal of the renovation is to “expand educational opportunities, research and innovation in the science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines at UConn,” the university said.
The Gant complex, constructed between 1974 and 1978, was named for Edward V. Gant, a longtime civil engineering professor at UConn. Gant served as acting president in 1969, 1972-73 and 1978-79. He died in 1985.
