Page 30 - Inventing Tomorrow

Renovation of Tate Laboratory Begins
A$92.5 million renovation project has started on the historic Tate Laboratory
of Physics (Tate), which will turn obsolete labs and antiquated classrooms into new teaching and research spaces, while preserving the building’s architectural character as part of the Northrop Mall Historic District.
For 89 years, Tate has been home to the University of Minnesota’s School of Physics and Astronomy, which o ers the core courses required to prepare students for a wide range
of engineering and science careers. Nearly 4,500 students from dozens of majors pass through its halls each year to receive instruction in physics and astronomy.
When the renovation is completed
in 2017, the 230,000-square-foot- building will become the joint home of the Newton Horace Winchell School of Earth Sciences and the School of Physics and Astronomy. Research in experimental physics research is now primarily located in the Physics and Nanotechnology Building that opened in 2014.
In addition to state-of-the-art classrooms and seminar rooms, the building includes 26 teaching labs for physics and astronomy courses and four teaching labs for earth sciences courses. The building also will include research labs— ve for physics and astronomy and 16 for earth sciences. Approximately 350 faculty, post-doctorates, graduate
students, and visiting researchers will be housed in Tate.
Highlights of the renovation include the new Van Vleck auditorium that will serve as a main location for classes and public events. A four- story atrium with skylight will be added in the center of the space, and the historic rooftop observatory will be restored and improved, providing more space for public viewings of the night sky.
The 2014 Minnesota Legislature approved $56.7 million for the renovation, the standard two-thirds of the project cost. The University is responsible for the remaining $35.8 million and fundraising to help o set a portion of that commitment.
s A groundbreaking ceremony for the $92.5 million Tate Science and Teaching renovation was held Sept. 30, 2015. Featur- ing vibrant, exible spaces that will bolster instruction, research, and support services, the building will house approximately 350 faculty, post-doctorates, graduate students, and visiting researchers.
30 INVENTING TOMORROW
t The renovation, which will be completed in 2017, features a new entrance on Church Street.
Watch the Tate Science and Teaching renovation on the live webcam at: z.umn.edu/tatewebcam.
If you are interested in supporting the Tate renovation,
a giving fund has been established. Visit give.umn.edu and search “Tate Building Renovation Fund.”