Construction continues on Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math

The sound of hammering and sawing resonates at Tusculum College with the continued construction of the Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math. Beginning next week, the exterior brick will begin showing and the concrete will be poured for the lecture hall.

“Most exterior walls are framed and have sheathing on them,” said David Martin, director of facilities. “I would estimate them to be 85 percent complete.”

Footing and columns have been added. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection work continues overhead. Air barriers are ready for window installation when windows are delivered this month, added Martin

“Interior framing is about 60 percent complete, and the roofing structure will be complete by Monday, with the exception of one of the stairsways. The downspout gutters are tied into the storm system so the roof drains flow on the east side, keeping the building relatively dry,” he said.

Panels for the main electrical room will be set in the next few weeks, as well as concrete for the transformer pad.

The Meen Center for Science and Math will be a four-story structure of approximately 100,000 square feet. Interiors include wings for biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science and environmental science. There will also be lab space and research areas for both faculty and students.

The ground floor features the environmental science wing with a loading dock, as well as large general classroom spaces and classrooms equipped for distance learning programs. A large lecture hall will be included on the ground floor. Space is also allocated to house the Bachelor of Science degree program in nursing and at least one other graduate level health-related program.