By Maeren Hay ’23, Georgie Charette ’23, Peter Murphy ’24
When construction of the science building began, there was nothing but empty space where the old science building had been demolished. No one knew what the building would actually look like. The architects provided visuals of the groundbreaking building, which helped but also raised many questions about a robot. Now that progress has been made and the structure of the new building is clearer, people can see what the science building will look like in the future.
FGS students have heard a great deal about the Lizzie, and we have seen plenty of computer generated photographs of what the building is going to look like. The Highlander News Network was eager to get the inside scoop on what the new building looks like so far. After requesting VIP access from Mr. Mihaly, we were granted permission to meet with Matt Olfshefski, the superintendent for the science building project from O&G. After pulling on our strongest boots and putting on the required golden helmets, safety glasses, and safety vests, we were ready to explore. Surprisingly, we could generally visualize where everything was going to be in the building. Computer generated photographs were placed in areas that they were representing. When we asked Matt Olfshefski if he knew anything about the possible robot rumors, he pleaded the Fifth. He did give us some information, though, on why some areas are being dug up around campus. These areas have been excavated in order for the construction team to run electrical lines and running water down to the new building from Kirby Road. Mr. Olfshefski told us how the construction plan was put in place to preserve as much terrain around the new science building as possible. Luckily, the absence of snow has helped their project run faster and smoother, giving the team an advantage of building without shoveling out feet of snow. Their working space is relatively small in order to protect the mossy rocks and trees that lay around the area. Mr. Olfshefski also told us how they are using a large tree, cut down from clearing the area, to build a beautiful wooden sitting area for the interior. It is nice to know the old science building and the beauty around it is being preserved and restored.
A big question that we all want answered is, where will the beam that we signed reside? Although we couldn’t safely visit the second floor of the building’s frame, we were able to see our personalized beam already secured to the structure from afar. The beam is in the very center of the frame, confirming that our marks on history are being incorporated into the building process. When we were actually inside of the frame, the tarped out walls gave us a real sense of what the building will feel like. Although the ground was covered in gravel, we could truly visualize the beautiful wooden sitting area, the self-operable dividers, and the amazing rooms that are soon to be built. Matt Olfsheski is in the center of the image below. Please make sure to say hi to him and ask him how everything is going! He is very excited and happy to be the superintendent for our new science building.
The Highlander 