Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the local community celebrated the commencement of construction for the $340.3 million Science and Health Sciences Building with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 13, 2024. Chancellor James Schmidt emphasized the collaborative efforts that made this project possible.

“Today, we start building our future on a foundation fortified by the collaborative spirit, innovative mindset and commitment to the public good to which this university has always aspired,” Schmidt said during the ceremony.

Schmidt highlighted that support from various entities including the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, Universities of Wisconsin, state of Wisconsin, Mayo Clinic Health System, and University Relations and Facilities teams was crucial for realizing this project. The five-story building will replace Phillips Hall, constructed 61 years ago. It aims to enhance research, teaching, and collaboration at UW-Eau Claire.

“Our audacious vision, our commitment and our persistence have literally transformed the face of this campus and this community in ways that will outlast all of us,” Schmidt stated.

The new 330,000-square-foot facility is scheduled for completion in 2026 with an opening expected in 2027. Miron Construction Co., headquartered in Neenah with an office in Eau Claire, is serving as the general prime contractor.

State Rep. Robert Wittke praised Schmidt's dedication to bringing this project to fruition. “If you love Wisconsin as much as I do, if you love this university as much as I do, you should have a great sense of pride and excitement for what the future holds for the next generation of talent that we have,” Wittke said.

Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld noted Governor Tony Evers' support for investing in education through projects like these to ensure Wisconsin remains competitive globally. “We all know to attract new talent to our state...we must invest in our Universities of Wisconsin,” Blumenfeld said.

Mayo Clinic Health System will utilize approximately 10,000 square feet within the building for research and educational purposes. Dr. Richard Helmers expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with UW-Eau Claire on innovative healthcare research.

“The Mayo brothers realized 100 years ago that we are best doctors when we’re challenged by young learners...This campus and this building makes us better doctors,” Helmers said.

Dave Minor from Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce underscored their advocacy beyond academic purposes towards community transformation through such projects.

“We looked at how it is going to transform this community that we can’t totally envision today,” Minor remarked about their support for the building initiative.

UW-Eau Claire student body president Sam Consiglio conveyed excitement over expanded opportunities due to the new facility: “Today marks a new beginning...to not only its students but to future generations.”

The groundbreaking event marked significant progress towards replacing Phillips Hall with a state-of-the-art facility set to open in 2027.

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