Tracy Hall Building Project

As the gavel sounded ending the 2014 session of the Utah State Legislature, Weber State University had approval to construct a new science laboratory building which will replace the current facility built in 1969.

Providing the facility and equipment to deliver leading-edge science and mathematics education to future Weber State University students is the mission of Tracy Hall Science Center. Named in honor of two local families that have enjoyed a long legacy with WSU, Tracy Hall Science Center is a history-making project in terms of size, cost and educational impact.

In addition to housing seven science and mathematics departments, the new building will provide the type of facilities needed to educate and train exceptional science and mathematics students. Virtually all WSU students will benefit from Tracy Hall Science Center’s state-of-the-art science labs and modern learning facilities as they complete general education courses.

Slated to be ready for classes in Fall 2016, Tracy Hall will be built on the current site of Buildings 3 and 4, right in the heart of the Ogden campus. The project is scheduled to begin by late May 2014 with the demolition of these two buildings. Science classes and labs will continue to be held in the current science facility until Tracy Hall opens.

Project Summary

  • Meets the growing enrollment demand as the number of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) graduates at WSU has increased 50 percent over the last 10 years.
  • Addresses a modern necessity through replacement of the current science lab facility as it is deficient in terms of size, seismic stability and appropriate mechanical and electrical systems to support modern scientific equipment.
  • Ranks as the number one capital development priority for WSU since 2011.
  • Anticipates housing seven departments: Botany, Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics and Zoology. Additionally the Developmental Math Program offices will be in Tracy Hall Science Center in the 173,000 gross square feet designed for the project.
  • Incorporates "Science on Display" as a major design theme. This includes interior windows looking into laboratories, built-in and rotating exhibits, architectural features that incorporate science, and artwork related to science.

Financial Summary

  • Total Cost: $73,844,600, includes construction of Tracy Hall Science Center and demolition of buildings 3, 4 and the current Science Lab Building.
  • $5,000,000 naming pledge received in 2012 honoring Dr. H. Tracy Hall and the Tracy and Hall Families.
  • $3,500,000 received in legislative funds in 2013 for design and programming.
  • $57,400,000 approved in 2014 legislative funding.
  • $8,000,000 additional private donations required for construction, equipment and instrumentation.