CULLOWHEE, N.C.—International builder Skanska, based in Sweden, has finished up work on a new science education building at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

The 183,000-square-foot Tom Apodaca Science Building will offer educational training opportunities across Western Carolina’s technology, math, engineering and various other STEM disciplines. The Apodaca building replaces the former Natural Sciences Building, which existed on the same site for years.

The five-level Apodaca building will be home to Western Carolina’s departments of biology, chemistry and physics, as well as the school’s interdisciplinary program in forensic science. The facility also hosts a global information system laboratory, forensic anthropology lab, computational lab as well as various support offices and labs. The building also entails a rooftop greenhouse and terrace, allowing for additional training and experimental space effectively as a sixth floor. Apodada also hosts a steam micro-plant that replaced an older steam plant the university had been using.

The building was named for onetime North Carolina state senator Thomas M. Apodaca, known for his service to the western part of the Tarheel State as well as his support for Western Carolina University. Sen. Apodaca’s advocacy entailed pushing for the Connect NC bond referendum, which allocated funds for Western Carolina as well as other educational projects in the region. He graduated from Western Carolina in 1980 and currently serves on the school’s board of trustees.

The existing laboratories at the old Natural Sciences Building remained open throughout construction before being relocated to the Apodaca facility. The former Natural Sciences Building was then demolished and the space redesigned as an outdoor courtyard.

Skanska worked in conjunction with architect Lord Aeck Sargent of Chapel Hill and AEI Engineering, also of Chapel Hill, and who served as the project engineer.

“It was a privilege to work with Western Carolina University on this new STEM building offering superior learning opportunities for the students and staff at the university,” Greg Peele, executive vice president responsible for Skanska’s North Carolina and Virginia building operations, said in a recent statement. “The building’s technological advancements and innovative features will help prepare students for future careers in health care, high-tech manufacturing, natural product development and more.”

Added David Kinner, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Carolina:

“This Apodaca Science Building serves many of our WCU students, as those from across campus will come here to study diverse topics—from the magnificence of our universe to the complexity of a human body. Hopefully, students also begin to understand the scientific process, the steady and continued work of asking and answering questions, and comprehend the ability of science to provide important information and breakthroughs for society.”

Skanska’s U.S. operations are based out of New York. The firm generated $6.4 billion in revenue in 2021 alone.

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EMU debuted a $90 million science complex — the largest single construction project in the university’s history — about four years ago, followed by the debut of a renovation to Pray-Harrold, EMU’s largest classroom building. The university plans to continue construction with six major projects totaling $14.5 million.

The most expensive of the projects is the $6.3 million renovation of the first floor of the Rackham Building, reported MLive. The renovation will include a complete makeover of the space, including classrooms and common spaces for the exercise science, orthotics and prosthetics, and nutrition departments.

EMU’s Wise Hall is also undergoing a $5.6 million, two-phase renovation. Phase I includes the installation of new windows and new electrical system components, while Phase II will include the installation of a new HVAC system and a renovation of the bathrooms.

EMU is also investing more than $1.21 million in safety enhancements, adding security cameras and other devices and systems. The university will also be adding $875,000 in classroom technology upgrades such as audiovisual equipment, flat-screen televisions and infrastructure support at Porter and Strong Halls. It will also spend $150,000 for new paint, flooring and architectural upgrades at Putnam Hall as well as $400,000 for surfacing and installing a gated cul-de-sac at Ainsley Drive.

Two large construction projects are also in the works at Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA), with one other still in the planning process, according to MLive. The school’s Kreft Center for the Arts is undergoing a major $4.5 million renovation. Cardinal Stadium, which serves the university’s football and soccer teams, is also undergoing a $5 million revamp that will add Pro-Grass synthetic turf and give the football team a permanent home field. Concordia board members also approved a $7.5 million expansion and remodel of the Concordia Field House.

In April 2015, Washtenaw Community College, located between EMU and CUAA, approved spending $1 million to repair the roof at the Student Center. The project includes a $388,000 to replace the Student Center skylight and $531,748 for bridge and roof replacement.

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