Construction Industry Leaders Will Contribute to Remodel of CSU’s Industrial Sciences Building

Colorado State University launched the renovation of its historical Industrial Sciences Building at a ceremony Thursday that created an unprecedented partnership with the construction industry and the university.

The building, constructed in 1883, will be completely renovated by donations from 13 area construction and mechanical contracting firms. The renovation will feature a state-of-the-art preconstruction laboratory, classrooms, lecture hall, study lounge, technology center and public spaces. Several renovated rooms will bear the names of the firms that donated to the university’s historical landmark.

Photo courtesy of Colorado State University

“This project will prepare students to work in collaborative teams and integrated industry models, including concept, design, project management, estimating, marketing and presentation,” said Mostafa Khattab, head of CSU's Department of Construction Management. “Most importantly, students are seeing companies that are usually in competition come together in teamwork and collaboration for the benefit of the program.”

Work is set to begin later this spring on the $4-million Preconstruction Center, all privately funded through donations and in-kind products and services.

Ed Haselden, president of Haselden Construction in Centennial, and a member of the board of governors that oversees the university, led the way with the initial donation to renovate spaces in the preconstruction laboratory, a space that will offer six large cubicle spaces for students to form their own “companies.” These capstone experiences will prepare students to be industry ready before their internships or employment after graduation.

“Ed Haselden demonstrated the same vision and determination in championing this project that he brings to his role on the board of governors,” said Larry Penley, CSU president. “The industry leaders who have supported this center are investing in a well-educated, highly professional work force that will be uniquely prepared to hit the ground running when they graduate, entering the professional world with the background to be successful and contribute to the success of the construction industry overall.”

Saunders Construction Inc., another Denver-based general contractor, will fund renovation of old laboratory space into the preconstruction lecture hall. Denver's PCL has committed funds for the Laurel Street entrance lobby and adjoining classroom. Hensel Phelps Construction of Greeley will fund the northwest classroom, and G.E. Johnson of Colorado Springs and Denver is sponsoring renovations to the lobby and entrance off CSU’s historic Oval. Gerald H. Phipps's support will renovate a student study room in the heart of the building.

The second-floor technology lab will be requested to be named for a group of mechanical contractors who are coming together to fund the building’s plumbing and heating operations. They include Mechanical Contractors Association, U.S. Engineering, Trautman and Shreve, Murphy Co. and Braconier Plumbing and Heating.

Concrete Frame Associates and Valley Crest Landscaping of Denver will partner in sponsoring renovation of the courtyard off the Oval.

“The common theme among all these companies is how industry and the university can work together to benefit the construction management program and, ultimately, the students who will come through the program uniquely prepared in this collaborative model,” said April Mason, dean of the College of Applied Human Sciences.

Built during the historic period known as the Pioneer Era during 1870-1909, the Industrial Sciences building represents Colorado Agricultural College’s move toward a broad-based concept of education beyond the disciplines of purely agricultural studies. It is one of the few remaining structures from this period of campus development.

Formerly known as the Mechanic Shop, its name was changed in the 1890s to the Mechanical Engineering Building. In 1959, the name changed again, to the Arts Building, in 1969 to Arts-Industrial, and in 1972 to Industrial Sciences. The foundry in the building played an important part in World War II by serving as a production center during the war.

Originally constructed for work in mechanical engineering, it now serves the Department of Construction Management.