Exciting News: Franklin Science Center Renovations Head to the Next Phase!

Shippensburg University students will see some exciting changes at the Franklin Science Center (FSC) this month. The renovations are entering a new phase.

Construction officially began with contracts awarded on January 10, and a kickoff meeting held on January 29, according to Bruce Herring, the university’s assistant director for planning and engineering. By February 8, fencing will go up around parts of the building and will stay there until the work is done, which is expected to be in early 2027.

The renovation is split into two phases. Soon, the southern half of the building will be off-limits. Some entrances, including those along Cumberland Drive and near the F-1 parking lot, will close. Students should also prepare for some sidewalk closures and periodic road blockages around campus as construction progresses.

The biology and chemistry departments will eventually share the southern half of FSC once the first phase wraps up. Meanwhile, the psychology department moved out last year and is currently using Wright Hall until the renovations are finished.

The need for serious updates to the 1970-built Franklin Science Center has been recognized since 2010. It wasn’t until 2022 that plans started moving forward after funding became available.

When the revamped FSC opens in 2027, it will offer better support for students and faculty in STEM fields. The upgrades aim to enhance student experiences and provide up-to-date classrooms and labs.

According to a summer 2023 university magazine, “The renovated facility will better serve STEM students, support faculty and student research, and provide state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories to help students develop essential skills.”

New lab features will include modern fume hoods, improved countertops and cabinets, and upgraded lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning. Accessibility will also be a focus, ensuring that more areas of the building are user-friendly. Additionally, spaces will be designed for collaboration and group work, making it easier for students to engage in projects together.