Construction is underway on Senator James M. Jeffords Hall, the latest of a string of construction projects for the University.

The building, whose plan for construction began in May 2008 and is projected to finish in spring 2010, will house labs and classrooms in combination with space for the Plant and Soil

Science Department and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

“The first floor will be primarily teaching labs and classrooms with the second and third floor being for faculty offices and research centers,” project coordinator Michael Stevens said.
The $55.7 million building received financial support from various resources.

Senator Patrick Leahy secured $3 million in federal money, while the state financed another $10 million for the project, according to a University Communications press release.

“I’d like to extend my deep gratitude to the donors who have made possible this important project, which honors one of the University’s longest and greatest friends in Senator James M. Jeffords,” UVM President Daniel Mark Fogel said.

The 97,000 square foot building, located just outside the Davis Center oval on Main Street, follows the parameters of the University’s Environmental Design and Renovated Buildings policy.

The policy, enacted in January, calls for all new University buildings to be built to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system’s silver level.

The LEED levels measure six individual areas, with a total possible score of 69. The silver range is from 33-38 points.

“I am honored to have my name included among my friends and colleagues, Senator George Aiken and Senator Bob Stafford, whose names grace such important academic buildings on this venerable campus,” Jeffords said.