Roanoke College is excited to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for its new Science Center on Saturday. The construction of this new facility has been in the works since 2011, with the initial phase of the project set to replace Massengill Auditorium on Market Street. The estimated cost for the new building is $30 million, which is half of the total $60 million budget allocated for the project, including upgrades to nearby buildings.
Upon completion, the new center will accommodate roughly one-third of Roanoke College’s classes, as per a statement from the institution. The ceremony, scheduled as both a groundbreaking event and a farewell to Massengill Auditorium, is set to commence at 4 p.m. The project’s funding primarily comes from contributions made by alumni, faculty, and staff. Former college president David and Susan Gring made one of the largest donations, totaling $3.5 million.
The new Science Center will serve as the location for all STEM courses at Roanoke College, meaning that every student, regardless of their major, will attend at least one class there during their academic journey. The construction of this new facility is anticipated to conclude in the fall of 2026.