Virginia, October 15, 2025
Norfolk State University in Virginia has officially broken ground on a $118 million science building. This state-of-the-art facility is set to house advanced labs and classrooms, significantly enhancing STEM education and research capabilities. The university’s commitment to innovation through this investment is expected to elevate its profile while benefiting the local community. The construction of this facility marks a pivotal moment for the university, aligning with its mission to foster knowledge and discovery.
Norfolk, Virginia – Norfolk State University Breaks Ground on $118 Million Science Building
The Norfolk State University (NSU) in Norfolk, Virginia has commenced construction on a new $118 million science building, marking a significant advancement in the university’s commitment to enhancing STEM education and research facilities.
Project Overview
The four-story, 131,376-square-foot facility is designed to replace the existing Roy A. Woods Science Building. The new structure will house state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories, classrooms, a planetarium, a greenhouse, and student-centered collaboration spaces. The building is expected to be completed in Fall 2027 and is targeting LEED Gold certification.
Departments and Facilities
The facility will accommodate NSU’s biology, chemistry, and physics departments, as well as the Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences (DNIMAS). The inclusion of a planetarium and greenhouse aims to provide immersive learning experiences and foster interdisciplinary collaboration among students and faculty.
Design and Construction
Designed by Work Program Architects (WPA) in partnership with SmithGroup, the building emphasizes flexibility and community engagement. The project is being managed by S.B. Ballard Construction Company, with completion anticipated in Fall 2027.
Community Impact
This investment is expected to elevate NSU’s profile and benefit the community through innovation. The new science building is poised to serve as a hub for scientific discovery and education, contributing to the region’s growth and development.
Background Context
NSU’s commitment to enhancing STEM education is part of a broader initiative to raise $90 million by the end of 2025, celebrating the university’s 90th anniversary. This capital campaign aims to strengthen academic programs, increase scholarship opportunities, and elevate the university’s overall profile.
Conclusion
The groundbreaking of the new science building at Norfolk State University represents a pivotal moment in the institution’s history, reflecting its dedication to providing cutting-edge facilities that support academic excellence and community engagement in the field of science and technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the new science building at Norfolk State University?
The new science building aims to replace the existing Roy A. Woods Science Building, providing state-of-the-art facilities for teaching and research in the fields of biology, chemistry, and physics. It will also house the Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences (DNIMAS), a planetarium, a greenhouse, and student collaboration spaces.
When is the new science building expected to be completed?
The construction of the new science building is expected to be completed in Fall 2027.
Who is responsible for designing and constructing the new science building?
The building was designed by Work Program Architects (WPA) in partnership with SmithGroup. The construction is being managed by S.B. Ballard Construction Company.
What departments and facilities will the new science building house?
The new science building will house NSU’s biology, chemistry, and physics departments, as well as the Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences (DNIMAS). Additional facilities include a planetarium, a greenhouse, and student-centered collaboration spaces.
How does the new science building align with Norfolk State University’s broader initiatives?
The construction of the new science building is part of NSU’s broader initiative to raise $90 million by the end of 2025, celebrating the university’s 90th anniversary. This capital campaign aims to strengthen academic programs, increase scholarship opportunities, and elevate the university’s overall profile.
Key Features of the New Science Building
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 131,376 square feet, four-story building |
| Departments | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences (DNIMAS) |
| Facilities | Teaching and research labs, classrooms, planetarium, greenhouse, student collaboration spaces |
| Completion Date | Fall 2027 |
| Sustainability | Targeting LEED Gold certification |
| Design and Construction | Designed by Work Program Architects (WPA) and SmithGroup; constructed by S.B. Ballard Construction Company |
Key Features of the New Science Building
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 131,376 square feet, four-story building |
| Departments | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences (DNIMAS) |
| Facilities | Teaching and research labs, classrooms, planetarium, greenhouse, student collaboration spaces |
| Completion Date | Fall 2027 |
| Sustainability | Targeting LEED Gold certification |
| Design and Construction | Designed by Work Program Architects (WPA) and SmithGroup; constructed by S.B. Ballard Construction Company |
