Eastern Michigan University's President James Smith talks about the $40 million renovation and addition to Strong Hall is undergoing Wednesday, June 13, 2018. The project, which is the third and final phase of the Science Complex, will include a modern facade, updated mechanical and electrical systems, new classrooms and offices, dark labs, a 200-seat auditorium and social spaces for students throughout. It is expected to be open for winter semester. (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive.com)

Dust is flying around the site of Eastern Michigan University's Strong Hall, which is in the midst of a $40 million renovation expected to be completed in December.

Opened in 1957, the hall is seeing its first significant improvements in nearly 60 years, with $30 million in state funding.

Strong Hall is part of Eastern's Science Complex, and houses key science programs including the Mars Computer Weather Simulation Lab, Plasma Physics Lab, Laser Physics Lab, Modern Optics Lab, Environmental Sciences and the departments of astronomy and physics and geology and geography.

Strong Hall is the centerpiece of EMU's busy summer construction schedule and is the third and final phase of the university's Science Complex.

In total, EMU projects to spend $130 million on construction projects for the coming 2018-19 fiscal year. This total includes $40 million in state funding toward the upcoming Sill Hall renovation, which is expected to begin in 2019, and $30 million for Strong Hall improvements.

"This was a very old building," EMU President James Smith said, explaining the renovations taking place at Strong Hall. "It's limited design for what we wanted and limited structurally for what the faculty need.

As much as we (could), we tried to expose to get light so that it's a warm and friendly teaching environment," Smith added.

Take a look at what's in store for Strong Hall when it's completed, while also getting a glimpse of what other construction projects are scheduled to be happening on campus this summer.

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A new glass facade on the addition of Strong Hall will mirror the adjacent Mark Jefferson building. (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive.com)

Strong Hall

Cost: $40 million

State Funding: $30 million

EMU funding: $9.9 million

Expected completion: Substantial completion and occupancy to begin at the start of the winter 2019 semester.

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The addition to Strong Hall will feature a center community space for students with a range of seating options for working and relaxing between class. (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive.com)

Strong Hall

The project, which is the third and final phase of the Science Complex, will include a modern facade, updated mechanical and electrical systems, new classrooms and offices, dark labs, a 200-seat auditorium and social spaces for students throughout.

Eastern invested $90 million in the renovation of the adjacent Mark Jefferson building and construction of 80,000 square feet of new academic facilities, including a planetarium, connecting both to make up Eastern's Science Complex.

The Science Complex project, the largest and most costly in Eastern's history, underscores the university's broad effort to educate students in science-related disciplines.

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(Tanya Moutzalias | MLive.com)

Strong Hall

New connectors will be made between buildings and pathways frequented by students.

In total, the 80,713-square-foot structure houses more than 25 percent of the university's STEM lab classrooms -- an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. All renovations will meet LEED Criteria.

"What we were looking for was to create better space efficiencies," said Scott Storrar, EMU director of facilities, planning and construction. "That's a combination of creating more, but also utilizing the space in better ways."

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(Tanya Moutzalias | MLive.com)

Commons 2 Dining Facility

Cost: $5.3 million

Expected completion: Enhancements are scheduled to be competed for the start of the fall 2018 semester.

The project will include all new interior renovations to Eastern Eateries' dining area, the exterior south façade and it also will introduce outdoor seating and a fireplace.

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(Tanya Moutzalias | MLive.com)

Commons 2 Dining Facility

Changes to Eastern Eateries inside the Commons 2 Dining Facility include the addition of Eagle's Grind, which will offer coffee and breakfast, pastries and baked goods.

The Grill 734 location at the Eateries will feature sandwiches and made to order pasta dishes.

Cluck and Create and Chop'd & Wrap'd dining features will stay at the Eateries and undergo new updates and continue to incorporate student favorites into their menus.

The Market is a new concept at The Eateries. In previous years the grab and go snacks and bottled beverages were located in the middle of the open space at the eateries. Starting this fall, the Market will be a separate store, giving guests a convenience store experience.

Students can order food will from Cluck, Grill 734 and Chop'd & Wrap'd via kiosks. Orders will be placed and payment accepted at each kiosk to add another layer of convenience for students.

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(Tanya Moutzalias | MLive.com)

Quirk/Sponberg Theatre

Cost: $750,000

Expect completion: Substantial completion is planned for the end of August 2018.

This project on the EMU theatre venue involves installing new windows and replacing the old concrete, cast-in-place building panels with new insulated metal panels. The project also includes foundation and drainage repairs. The project's design is completed and the project is out for bid.

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Zachary Werksma applies grout on rock columns being installed along Green Lot #1 on Eastern Michigan University's campus Wednesday, June 13, 2018. The columns and new fencing are apart of a $1.45 million project to add more lighting and security measures to campus. (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive.com)

Campus security/lighting

Cost: $1.45 million

Expected completion: Substantial completion is set for August 2018.

This project involves replacing and installing new lighting and security throughout the Cornell Courts complex, the south section of Oakwood Street and along the perimeter of Green Lot #1. Included in the Green Lot #1 work scope is the installation of fencing and decorative field stone columns along Huron River Drive.

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New primary electrical service and equipment is installed inside the Eastern Michigan University's Quirk Sponberg building, July 13, 2018. This is the final year of a two-year project to update the electrical infrastructure in 20 buildings across campus. (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive.com)

Loop 1 electrical work

Cost: $7.5 million

Expected completion: The last building is scheduled to be completed by July 20, 2018.

EMU is in the second year of this two-year project, which involves installing new primary electrical service and equipment to 20 buildings across campus. Last year the infrastructure was put in-place. This summer the buildings are being converted over to the new electrical service. As each building is being converted to the new electrical service, occupants are being temporarily relocated.

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A new section of roadway and sidewalks will be installed to connect Oakwood and Mayhew Streets on Eastern Michigan University's campus, June 13, 2018. (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive.com)

Health center access roadway

Cost: $1.8 million

Expected completion: The turn lane will be completed by the start of the 2018 Fall semester. The Lyman Street extension is expected to be completed in October 2018.

Two improvements will establish access to the new health center, a collaborative project with St. Joseph Mercy Health System and IHA that is planned to begin construction this year.

The road project involves building a new section of roadway and lighting to Lyman Street starting this summer. That extension will connect Oakwood Street and Mayhew Drive just north of the Department of Public Safety building at the northwest end of campus.

As part of the Lyman street extension, a new turn lane will be installed at the entrance to Green Lot 1 off Huron River Drive.

EMU's Board of Regents approved plans for the new $8.4 million, 25,700-square foot facility in February that will offer urgent care, a flu clinic, pharmacy, women's health facilities and sexually transmitted infection testing and immunizations.

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