Final Phase Of UConn's Multi-Year Gant Complex Project Set To Start

STORRS, CT — The last part of one of the most prominent and involved capital improvement efforts in the University of Connecticut's history is on track to take place this summer.

It's the multi-year project to overhaul and expand the Gant Science Complex one of UConn's largest, most visible, and most heavily used academic buildings, often referred to as the campus "workhorse." The Gant project began in 2018 as part of the Next Generation Connecticut initiative.

The original complex configuration encompasses 285,000 gross square feet of space with the current project adding about 25,000 more square feet. It was built between 1970 and 1974 and fronts North Eagleville and Auditorium roads. The complex is named for the late Edward V. Gant, a longtime engineering professor who also served three stints as UConn’s acting president. He died in 1985.

The first phase of renovations, involved Gant South and was completed in 2019. Gant West was updated over the following two years. The wings were overhauled and connected.

A central Light Court area, a new signature feature of the complex, was completed and occupied in January 2020.

The third and final phase of work at Gant will involve renovating and expanding the North Wing and its connector to the West Wing and includes a fourth-floor addition for advanced research, school officials said. The renovated North Wing will offer updated laboratory teaching facilities and support spaces for the Department of Ecology & Environmental Biology, as well as multidisciplinary science teaching labs and teaching labs for Biology 1000 level courses on the ground through second floors, officials said.

Support spaces include a new advising and tutoring center for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and a new facility for biology central storage, officials said. The third and fourth floors will be prepared for future advanced research activities, officials said.

The UConn Board of Trustees recently gave its approval to begin working toward the final phase, which would start with demolition and abatement, site work, and purchasing equipment with long lead times for delivery. In addition to the interior renovations, the building’s façade and roof are being reconstructed to better prevent leaks and save energy, while the outdoor plaza area is being improved "to be more inviting and accessible to the campus community,"according to the project specifications.

If all remains on schedule, the renovated North Wing will open during the 2027-28 academic year, officials said.

The project also aligns with UConn’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, meeting Connecticut High Performance Building standards and aiming for LEED Gold certification.