UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Aiming to strengthen the programs and upgrade the facilities serving students in the fields of animal science and veterinary and biomedical science, the Penn State Board of Trustees Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning today (Feb. 22) recommended the approval of HOK of New York City, New York, as the architect for the Henning Building renovation at University Park.
The 62,000-square-foot Henning Building is home to the veterinary and biomedical and animal science departments. The project will accommodate future departmental growth, offer new laboratory and office configurations and greater flexibility in space usage. In addition, the project also includes accessible bathrooms and equipment integral for labs and vivariums, such as fume hoods, cold rooms and autoclaves.
Built in 1967, the vivarium and labs located in Henning are outdated and lack the ability to meet the research needs of faculty and students. The facility has an extensive maintenance backlog with mechanical systems, windows, elevators and roofing in need of replacement.
HOK was one of 35 teams to submit letters of interest and one of three teams to be selected for a final interview. The firm has extensive experience on similar projects, including the Behavioral and Social Sciences Center at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland; the Francis Crick Institute in London, United Kingdom; and the Jacobs Schools of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York.
The full Board of Trustees gave final approval of HOK at its meeting on Friday, Feb. 23.
