USU Prepares for Animal Science Building Renovation

LOGAN — Beginning next week, visitors to Utah State University’s main campus will notice something new near the Quad: temporary fencing signaling the start of a construction project expected to last through November 2028.

The fencing, scheduled to be erected on or after Oct. 14, is in preparation for the full renovation of the Animal Science building, which includes an addition on the historic structure’s north side. The project, designed by Method Studio, will not only prioritize modernization, including updates to HVAC systems alongside the building’s elevator and restrooms, but will also marry historic preservation and improved seismic safety with significant upgrades to benefit the broader USU community.

Originally intended to house animal husbandry and veterinary science programs, the Animal Science building is the birthplace of Aggie Ice Cream, but it has served many uses over its near 110-year history.

According to university records, it was constructed between 1917-18 with government funds appropriated to USU for military trainee barracks and was temporarily used as a convalescent hospital during the Spanish Flu pandemic. The Animal Industry Department was allowed to reclaim the space in 1920. Since 2012, the building has been home to USU’s Mathematics and Statistics Department.

Professor John Stevens, department head, said the renovation would create “expanded space for the Aggie Math Learning Center (AMLC) that provides highly utilized drop-in tutoring for students in Logan and statewide in math & stat courses taken by essentially every major, a research lab for the Data Science and AI Center — a joint venture among multiple campus units — and modernized research collaboration spaces for faculty and students.”

The first stage of the construction project is to relocate underground utilities. Crews will place fencing on the west and north sides of Animal Science from the Eccles Science Learning Center to the Geology building. Pedestrians will be able to pass by the site on the west side of the building by traveling on existing walkways adjacent to the ESLC. Pedestrian access between Animal Science and Geology to the Quad will be blocked.

While the utility work is likely to be concluded before the end of the year, additional fencing to the east and south of the building will be placed in January and extend onto the pavement on the north side of the Quad.

“We understand that this is a major disruption to central campus but feel that this plan will preserve the safety of faculty, staff, students, and construction personnel during this period,” said Tom Graham, project architect/manager for USU Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction.

The College of Arts & Sciences’ Math & Stats Department main office was relocated to the third floor of Old Main over the summer. Students needing help with math and statistics are advised to visit the AMLC in its temporary location on the fourth floor of Merrill-Cazier Library. Additional information about department programs and locations during construction can be found on the Math & Stats moving page.