Simon Hall to be finished this year

What has appeared to be a 140,000-square-foot construction site for the past two years is well on its way to a complete transformation. University architects anticipate the transformation into a "modern art version of collegiate Gothic" inspired building this December. The building, known as Simon Hall or the Multidisciplinary Building, will contain additional research facilities and unify the other science buildings on campus. \nProject planners foresee the building serving not only as a space for research of biomedical and life sciences, but also aiding in biotechnology developments and helping to "train the next generation of scholars and scientists," according to Simon Hall's Web site.\nThe project began in 2004 as a result of a severe shortage of modern research laboratory space on campus.\n"The campus has grown in terms of students and scope of research, but very little new academic space has been added," said Kumble Subbaswamy, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. "Construction of Simon Hall is only the beginning of trying to meet those needs."\nSubbaswamy projects that the building will benefit those engaged in multidisciplinary life sciences research, biochemistry, proteomics, neuroscience and biocomplexity. However, he said that in a broad sense, Simon Hall will benefit the entire campus in meeting its research and educational mission.\nFlad and Associates of Madison, Wis. -- as well as the University architects -- teamed up to design the $55.7 million Simon Hall after receiving a $9 million donation from the Simon family of Simon Property Group, Inc. In addition to this project, the Simon family has also donated to three other developments on the IU campus. In addition, the state has allocated $30 million for the project and the College of Arts and Sciences is still accepting donations to complete the science building. \n"It seems the Simons have an interest in life science research and the teaching that is being done at this institution," said David Ellies, acting executive director of development and alumni programs of the College of Arts and Sciences. "They saw a need and we were fortunate enough to be the recipients of their donation."\nIn exchange for a donation, supporters might receive laboratories, research centers and administrative suites in their name. Subbaswamy said each will receive "appropriate and tasteful" plaques and nameplates, as well as recognition during a dedication ceremony.\nWith the construction of the new building and the renewal of the life sciences effort, curriculum planners are developing new ideas in terms of degree programs. New undergraduate degrees, such as a biotechnology major, will join the life science curriculum. \nNow in the second year of progress, Assistant Vice President and University Architect Robert Meadows said that builders and architects have not experienced any disruptions to the process. The project is on schedule to becoming a sister building to the Chemistry Building and Myers Hall. Meadows said architects and builders experienced one challenge of transporting materials onto the construction site because of its central location. Nevertheless, they transported materials without problem, avoiding any delays in construction. \nAlthough the construction team has not experienced any setbacks, senior Mark Osborne said that he and other students have difficulty traveling to Jordan Hall.\n"Most science majors bounce between the Chemistry Building, Ballantine Hall and Myers Hall, which used to be easy because they are all next to each other," Osborne said. "Now it is a long walk from the Chemistry Building to Jordan Hall."\nOsborne also said the noise from the project became so loud there were times when he could not hear his professor in class. The construction hinders access to certain walkways and buildings around the Jordan Hall area of campus. However, Osborne said Simon Hall is necessary to provide extra lab space for professors and students.\n"The biology department and the science community as a whole was outgrowing the existing buildings," Osborne said. \nIn the remaining months of construction, planners and architects will strive to remain on schedule to create a new building to the advancement of the life science department.