The top-to-bottom renovation of Haberlin, which was gutted and completely rebuilt, was the second and final phase of the $63 million state-of-the-art integrated science complex project. The first phase included construction of the Park B. and Linda Smith Laboratories, a four-story building linked to Haberlin, and existing science and social science buildings on campus – Beaven, O’Neil, and Swords halls. Einhorn, Yaffe & Prescott served as project architect, and Bond Brothers as construction manager; both of them based in Massachusetts.
Construction of the complex — the most ambitious building project in the college’s history — started in early 2007. It was completed on schedule and on budget. From the sharing of sophisticated equipment to the evolution of new research teams, the new complex is designed to unite student and faculty researchers from across scientific disciplines and stimulates new, collaborative approaches in the Holy Cross acclaimed undergraduate science curriculum which has produced numerous scientific leaders.
The complex has been designed with the highest standards of energy efficiency and innovative environmentally-friendly construction, such as an energy recovery wheel to capture and rescue heat from air being exhausted from the building. The college is currently seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the complex.
The complex also features sophisticated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; and offers improved safety and access for all students, faculty, and visitors, including those who have disabilities or other special needs.
The new facilities support the discovery-based teaching that is a key pedagogical feature in physics and chemistry labs at Holy Cross. The showcase feature of the new science complex is a dramatic transformation of the atrium that links Haberlin and Smith Halls. The open, light-filled space not only offers access to laboratories, offices, and classrooms, but also serves as a venue for more student and faculty interaction with a multitude of meeting and study areas, communal space, and a café featuring breakfast and lunch options.
