Stevenson 6 is scheduled to be torn down, potentially starting in summer 2025. The university has not officially announced this plan, but The Hustler independently verified this claim with multiple sources.
The Stevenson 6 building houses the Department of Physics and its labs, as well as the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. It is one of the eight buildings in the Stevenson Center complex originally built in the 1960s. A seven-year and $150 million renovation of the center was announced in 2021.
In a copy of the Oct. 8 College of Arts and Science Faculty Meeting minutes obtained by The Hustler, Dean of the College of Arts and Science Timothy McNamara explained the decision to tear down this building and construct a new building in its place.
“The College has not invested in new space for the Natural Sciences in decades, and [this] is a desperate need,” the minutes read. “A feasibility study was conducted to assess the possibility of renovating Stevenson 6. Renovation was deemed not cost-effective.”
The building was described as a partnership between A&S, Engineering, Basic Sciences and the Provost’s Office. A&S plans to take the lead on the project and pay the bulk of the cost of the new building, which will be larger than the existing one, though in the same location.
According to the meeting minutes, McNamara emphasized that ongoing research projects in the building will be “minimally disrupted.” Physics professor Richard Haglund confirmed in an email to The Hustler that faculty received communication regarding the demolition of Stevenson 6 and acknowledged the impact this change may have on ongoing research.
“Further details are said to be forthcoming,” Haglund said. “My biggest concern is seeing that the graduate and undergraduate students in the group are appropriately housed so that their research, both individually and collaboratively, will not be unduly complicated by the move.”
He also mentioned that he received assurance regarding the protection of research projects currently in progress.
“I have complete confidence that the leadership of the College will be able to drive an orderly and sensible transition,” Haglund said. “Dean McNamara has been transparent and clear about what is happening as the situation unfolds.”
Isbaah Pirwani, a first-year physics major, shared her thoughts regarding the change and what Stevenson 6 represents to her.
“While I haven’t taken a class in Stevenson 6 yet, its legacy still feels deeply significant,” Pirwani said. “It’s humbling to think of the generations of students and professors who walked its halls, laying the groundwork for the discoveries and ideas we build on today. While it’s bittersweet to see it go, I’m excited for what the new building will represent — progress, innovation and a fresh chapter for the physics community.”
When asked about the demolition of Stevenson 6, a university representative did not confirm the plans.
“We are excited about the possibilities of developing state-of-the-art, collaborative environments for students, faculty and staff as we consider improvements to certain campus spaces, including Stevenson 6,” the university representative said in an email to The Hustler. “Details are not yet final, and we will provide more information once plans are finalized. This planning is part of the university’s continual efforts to enhance campus facilities to better support innovative research and discovery across our schools and colleges.”
The planned demolition marks an expansion of already confirmed plans for construction and demolition of other buildings on campus.
