The Physics and Astronomy Building at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is getting a facelift. 

Renovations on the 50-year-old building began at the beginning of February and will be completed by Aug. 15, just in time for the fall 2018 semester. During the renovations, Department of Physics and Astronomy facilities have been moved, and courses will be taught in the Engineering Technology and Science Building and the Fine Arts Building.

“The renovation of the Physics Building is an exciting project for the university that will give the students, faculty, and staff a wonderful setting to learn and grow,” said Tom Clifton, dean of the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences. “We are all looking forward to the completion of the project, which will bring the building in line with its original design by Architect Dieterich Neyland in brutalist architecture.”

Renovations will include a complete remodeling of the building’s interior as well as a new roof. Some exterior additions that were made to the building over the years will be removed so that the building can be brought back to its original design. The building’s exterior will be cleaned and painted to more closely match the exterior of Ottenheimer Library.

The building was erected in 1967 and last renovated in 1975. Ginocchio, Cromwell, Carter and Neyland served as the architect engineer, while the contractor was G.W. May Construction Company.

The project is funded through a $7.5 million bond approved by the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees during its May 2017 meeting. The bond covers capital improvement projects at UA Little Rock, including the renovations to the physics building as well as new roofs for the Donaghey Student Center and University Plaza.