A new UW-Eau Claire building commenced construction on Thursday afternoon, signaling the start of a project that will greatly benefit both students and faculty. The current building, Phillips Hall, is outdated and in dire need of renovation, according to students such as Landon Dirkes. The new facility will offer state-of-the-art amenities and a safe environment for the next generation of scientists to learn.
The new building will house several majors, including Biology, physics, computer science, and nursing. It will also foster collaboration between the university and Mayo Clinic Health System. University chancellor James Schmidt expressed his enthusiasm for the innovative and collaborative opportunities the new facility will bring.
The project is valued at over $340 million and will feature five stories with a rooftop greenhouse and observatory. It will include up-to-date classrooms, labs, and a nursing simulation lab. The new building is set to open in 2027, with plans to demolish Phillips Hall once the new building is complete.
Students like Dirkes are thrilled to have a modern and welcoming space to study and collaborate. The new building represents a significant improvement over the aging Phillips Hall, providing a fresh environment for learning and research. The university community is grateful to all those who have made the new building a reality, recognizing the hard work and dedication of professors and students in the process.