Ogden— Long-time partners, Big-D Construction, Weber State University, and the Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM,) are excited to announce the completion of the Noorda Engineering, Applied Science & Technology Building.
An open house celebration and tour of the new educational facility was held today on the University’s Ogden campus. Big-D Construction was awarded the project in 2019 and commenced construction on site in March 2020, during the same month the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a global pandemic.
“When we started the Noorda Weber State project we were met with a lot of challenges and unknowns. Despite those obstacles, we not only completed the Noorda project on time and within budget, but navigated through Covid safely while facing labor shortages, material pricing spikes, and material extended deliveries, which in my 46-year career at Big-D, I have never experienced before. I’m extremely proud of our team and all those involved, and we are excited for the bright young minds that will utilize this educational facility for generations to come,” says Executive Chairman, Rob Moore, Big-D Companies.
Named after Utah philanthropists Ray and Tye Noorda, the 130,417 square-foot modern classroom building will serve as the new home for the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology. Situated on the north end of campus, the building will provide classroom and laboratory space for Mechanical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Professional Sales, and Product Design & Development. In partnership with the WSU functions, the new facility will also house classrooms and administrative spaces for early college NUAMES High School program (Northern Utah Academy for Math, Engineering & Science).
“The learning and innovation spaces that this building provides for our students, faculty, and staff to unleash their creative potential are real game-changers for our programs and the industries we serve,” says WSU President Brad Mortensen. “We are so grateful to the Utah State Legislature and Noorda family for making the dream of this facility become a reality.”
Four centers will also be housed in the building: The Concept Center, the Center for Technology Outreach, the National Center for Automotive Science & Technology, and the Alan E. Hall Center for Sales Excellence. Other features include ADA accessibility, a plaza, and outdoor seating areas.