GRLA is the lead architect working closely with the Massachusetts State College Building Authority, STV as the Owner’s Project Manager and the construction manager, Commodore Builders, for the renovations at the Christa McAuliffe Challenger Center for Integrated Science Learning at Framingham State University (FSU). The McAuliffe Center was built in 1994 and is now being renovated to integrate the new technologies and systems that represent the latest in Challenger Learning Centers which are located nationwide.
The goal of the project is to convert the current center, located in O’Connor Hall on the FSU campus, into a suite of multifunctional, technology-enabled learning spaces, and to introduce modern visualizations and simulation capabilities. The project also includes upgrades to the planetarium projection equipment and furnishings which was added to the facility in 2012.
Construction is slated to be completed by September 2023 to coincide with the new school year.