TWU breaks ground on science and research center

Feb. 22, 2019 - DENTON - Texas Woman's University officials today broke ground on a new science and research center that will add critical research space and enhance efforts to increase research activities at the institution.

The four-story, 80,000-square foot building will house graduate and undergraduate research laboratory space for Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Nutrition & Food Science and Psychology programs. Additionally, the building will include collaboration and conference spaces as well as faculty offices, graduate student workspaces, lab support spaces, scientific equipment repair services and a microscopy suite.

"This state-of-the-art facility will not only foster cutting-edge research, it will boost research collaborations across disciplines and allow students to conduct research in the same type of environment they will encounter in their professional careers," said Jennifer Martin, Ph.D., TWU's executive vice provost.

The building's exterior design will incorporate Georgian architecture to complement the historical elements of other TWU buildings and the interior will include modern touches to suit the research center's scientific function. Full-height glass walls will be used in all spaces so occupants can see into and from all areas of the building.

"We're excited to have partnered with Texas Woman's University to create a building design that truly reflects their goals and needs," said Cynthia Labelle, senior project manager at Stantec, the architect for the project. "We're proud to be a partner in such an amazing project."

The building will be at the northwest corner of North Bell Avenue and Texas Street and is scheduled for completion in June 2020. Total project cost is estimated to be $54 million.

The research center is the latest in a series of major construction projects for the university. The Oakland Complex, which includes space for the Office of Human Resources, the TWU Department of Public Safety, a testing center, a student lounge and a parking garage, opened last fall. An 875-bed residence hall and dining complex on North Bell Avenue is slated for completion in August.

Collectively, the projects mark a period of unprecedented construction for the university. The last major construction program at the university was completed in 1973.

Artist rendering of Texas Woman's University's new science research center currently under construction—Bell Avenue entrance

Artist rendering of a chemistry lab in Texas Woman's University's new science research center currently under construction.

Artist rendering of Texas Woman's University's new science research center currently under construction—Old Main entrance

Artist rendering of the interior of Texas Woman's University's new science research center currently under construction

Page last updated 3:17 PM, February 22, 2019