Williams College Constructs North Science Center

Williams College is building the 105,000-sf North Science Center in Williamstown, Mass. Work began on the $130 million project in mid-2018 with the demolition of the existing Bronfman building, followed by excavation to enable the new five-story facility to reach several floors below grade. Designed by Payette, the structure will provide a 200-person auditorium, classrooms, labs, offices, and collaboration spaces for the departments of psychology, geoscience, and mathematics and statistics. Featuring a multi-level atrium to promote interaction and collaboration, the building will encourage interdisciplinary connectivity while offering distinct zones for each department and its social spaces. The construction manager for the project is Barr & Barr. Completion is expected in January of 2021. LEED Gold sustainable design certification will be sought for the facility.