The University of Michigan-Flint will expand the Murchie Science Building to accommodate the growth in students majoring in mathematics and the sciences. The $39 million project was approved Thursday by the university’s Board of Regents.
An addition of approximately 65,000 square feet to MSB will address immediate space limitations, meet growing demand for instructional, research and provide collaborative spaces for students in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines.
The proposed expansion will enable UM-Flint to deliver the highest-quality education to the ever-increasing numbers of students pursing degrees in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines, according to a memo prepared by Kevin Hegarty, the university’s executive vice president and chief financial officer.
The project is supported, in part, by funding through the state’s Capital Outlay Budget. Once construction is authorized by the state Legislature, the state will provide about $30 million in financial support. The balance of the funding will be provided by UM-Flint resources.
The architectural firm of Harley Ellis Devereaux will design the facility. The project is expected to generate an average of 100 on-site construction jobs.
Design work is scheduled to begin immediately and the university will return with a construction schedule with approval of a schematic design.
