Roanoke College is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Science Center on Saturday. The construction of the center has been in progress since 2011, and the first phase of the project will involve building a new facility to replace Massengill Auditorium on Market Street. The estimated cost of constructing the new building is $30 million, which is half of the total $60 million budget allocated for the project, including upgrades to nearby buildings. Once completed, the new center will accommodate approximately one-third of Roanoke College’s classes.
The ceremony will be both a groundbreaking event and a farewell to Massengill Auditorium. It is set to begin at 4 p.m. The funding for the project primarily comes from contributions made by alumni, faculty, and staff, with former college president David and Susan Gring making one of the largest donations totaling $3.5 million. Upon completion, the center will serve as the location for all STEM courses at Roanoke College, meaning that every student will attend at least one class there during their academic journey. The construction of the new center is anticipated to conclude in the fall of 2026.