Norfolk State University Breaks Ground on New Science Building

Norfolk State University broke ground in April of 2025 on the $118 million New Science Building in Norfolk, Va. Designed by Work Program Architects in partnership with SmithGroup, the 131,376-sf facility will offer future-ready environments for multidisciplinary learning and discovery. Housing the departments of biology, chemistry, and physics, the four-story structure will enable the next generation of scientists to engage in immersive education and develop innovative solutions to real-word problems.

The ground floor will feature the Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences, the STARS Learning Center, a maker space, an electrical shop, and a computer lab, as well as a greenhouse and a 150-seat planetarium. On the upper levels, modular research and teaching labs will be arranged around a central support core, with classrooms and venues for student collaboration and study located on the perimeter for optimum daylighting. The strategic placement of faculty offices immediately adjacent to student zones will foster connectivity and interaction.

S.B. Ballard Construction Company is delivering the project, which will replace the Roy A. Woods Science Building. Serving as both a public-facing gateway and a student-focused entry point, the development will activate the Ohio Creek watershed with a restored area for outdoor learning. The sustainable structure will incorporate extensive photovoltaic arrays and is targeting LEED Gold certification. Completion is anticipated in fall of 2027.