Albertus Magnus Hall of Science
Albertus Magnus Hall of Science
Albertus Magnus Hall of Science at Aquinas College is a LEED Gold-certified facility, resulting from a major renovation and expansion spanning over 15 years. Originally constructed in 1959, the building underwent a massive renovation as part of the $58 million Contributing to More Comprehensive Campaign (CTM). This initiative more than doubled the building’s square footage to 89,195 square feet. The project was completed and formally dedicated on September 16, 2021.
The Sturrus Atrium, which links the two wings of the building, is named in honor of
Peter and Carolyn Sturrus, recognizing their $3 million contribution to the Albertus
Hall renovation. This donation represents the largest single gift from individual
living donors in Aquinas College’s 140-year history. The atrium connects the Peter
M. Wege Wing, named for a significant contribution from The Wege Foundation, to the
Sister Mary Aquinas Weber, O.P. Wing, which was named through an anonymous gift honoring
the College’s chancellor emerita.
Key Facility Features:
- Fifteen teaching laboratories, including a dedicated nursing simulation and observation area.
- Three simulation labs, an adult, a pediatric, and a mother/infant room, connected by a common control/viewing room
- Six dedicated research laboratories, with at least one laboratory supporting each science discipline.
- Eleven classrooms, twenty-six offices, and eight study and collaborative spaces.
- A dedicated space for the Center for Sustainability.
LEED Gold Certification and Sustainability Initiatives:
The building earned the third-highest tier with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification through a wide range of sustainability features. It is home to the only green roof on campus, which doubles as an outdoor classroom and gathering space. Other features include the Baldwin Observatory, white reflective roof, vegetated planters, shaded parking, and forested surroundings to reduce the urban heat island effect. Find more here about the project from TowerPinkster, who helped design an addition for, and renovate the College’s existing science center:
- Local materials sourced within a 500-mile radius of Grand Rapids were used, reducing the project’s overall carbon footprint.
- More than seventy-five percent of the existing building’s structure was repurposed and reused, while outdated learning spaces were revitalized with environmentally friendly finishes and updated technology.
- Advanced ventilation systems were installed to increase air exchanges and significantly improve indoor air quality, resulting in annual energy cost savings exceeding $38,000.
- Offices, classrooms, and laboratories were positioned along the building perimeter to maximize access to natural light, enhancing work and study conditions and achieving a twenty percent reduction in artificial lighting costs.
- Low-flush toilets and automatic faucets were installed, with projected water-use reductions of 40%.
- More than ninety percent of demolition waste was diverted from landfills.
Albertus Magnus Hall of Science Virtual Tour
Want to get a better glimpse of Aquinas College? Visit our on-campus virtual tour to discover 10 different spots Aquinas has to offer. From scenic outdoor areas to classrooms and the Moose Café, imagine yourself at AQ while exploring from anywhere!Aquinas College: Virtual Tour