One of the Garden State’s biggest names in higher education has begun construction on a new facility that includes state-of-the-art teaching and research labs in an indoor/outdoor learning space.
Montclair State University recently broke ground on a new $120 million Interdisciplinary Science Building, which will span 110,000 square feet. Replacing the former Webster Hall, the new facility will feature teaching and research labs that will support expanded chemistry, physics, and interdisciplinary science programs, a large flexible event space, technology-driven classrooms, faculty workspaces, student lounges, and huddle spaces.
“At Montclair, we strive to offer an academic experience that is both accessible and excellent,” said Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. “The Interdisciplinary Science Building is part of that commitment. Fulfilling our mission requires constant innovation and investment to ensure we provide the best experience possible for our students. By creating modern laboratories, collaborative spaces and research opportunities, we ensure our students receive an education worthy of their investment while preparing them to shape the future of New Jersey.”
The project is made possible in part by a $60 million capital facilities grant issued by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. Plans for the complex were drawn up by HoK Architects and include a variety of sustainably minded components.
Besides new research and teaching facilities, the complex will feature an indoor/outdoor classroom space that will connect to the building’s outdoor event space and plaza. The development, which is being built to LEED Silver standards, will harvest solar energy and also feature a native rain garden, native bioswale, and a dry stream bed.
A fourth-floor space is designed to house a partnering organization to create additional hands-on learning experiences and collaboration opportunities with surrounding communities. A rooftop terrace will offer an informal space for collaboration.
Montclair State University currently graduates more minority STEM students than any other institution in New Jersey, and the new building will triple the available on-campus science lab space. They expect that the new Interdisciplinary Science Building will open in time for the start of the 2028-2029 academic year.
