Williamsport, PA

The 200,100 gsf Center was completely renovated as part of the College’s $46 million multi facility Stage X campaign that positioned the college well into the 21st century. Upgrades to the Learning Education Center (LEC) included complete renovations to the Architectural Design Suite, new Children’s Learning Center Suite, General Science room, new Chemistry lab, 3 new Biology labs, 3 new Physics labs, and a lecture hall. New central heating, mechanical, air conditioning, and energy plant replaced the old. The existing systems had been rooftop and the load of the new systems exceeded the structural capabilities of the building.

The new collaborative-learning-based Chemistry lab is equipped with state-of-the-art overhead snorkel devices as well as new fume hoods that allow independent or team-based work. There are two dedicated Physics labs and one hybrid lad for Physics and light Chemistry. Two newly renovated Biology labs flank the Central Prep Area and include high density storage, facility cart storage, and a small bench area for class prep.

A brand new central plant was deemed necessary due to the extensive additions and renovations of Stage X. During our initial programming, it was thought that the plant would remain on the LEC’s roof top. During the schematic design phase however, we determined that it would more effective to construct a new two-story addition, saving an additional $500,000. This was due to the limitations of the existing structural system of the building, which was not originally designed to accommodate the additional loads of the new equipment. The addition allowed the new central plant to be brought on-line and then the former plant could be decommissioned. The space was then renovated to serve the needs of the College.