The first two phases of renovation to the Science Center were completed recently at Central Campus in Blue Bell.
Crews completed the first two phases of renovations to the Science Center on Montgomery County Community College鈥檚 Central Campus in Blue Bell, beginning a complete modernization of the nearly 50-year-old building.
The project鈥檚 first phase included the installation of new HVAC, plumbing and electrical
systems and improvements to the science laboratories in the south wing. The second
phase included renovations made to the west wing and improvements will soon continue
into the Science Center Theater. 
James Bretz, Ph.D., Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), said the improvements allow the College to meet the needs of the future.
鈥淲e are able to create a more versatile learning environment that can be updated to meet changes in pedagogy over time,鈥� he said.
In March 2019, construction began on the building, which first opened its doors in 1972.
鈥淲e moved everything out of the south wing to the west wing,鈥� said Bretz. 鈥淭hen we moved the west wing to elsewhere on campus. Everyone moved.鈥�
The goal was to change the overall aesthetic of the building.
鈥淭he renovation allowed us to look at the building in a way not thought of 1972,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was essentially a building block structure - very institutional, with not a lot of windows and concrete walls.鈥�
Crews installed LED lights and glass to brighten the building and create more open space. Laboratories featuring state-of-the-art technology including robotic arms, 3D printers and other pieces of equipment can also be seen.
鈥淚t created an environment that feels much larger, and is more energy efficient,鈥� said Bretz. 鈥淚t really gave us an opportunity to reinvent the building. They did a fantastic job making an old building look new and modern. It鈥檚 unbelievable what it used to look like compared to what it looks like now.鈥�
Another improvement to the building includes the retrofitting of office suites into student hubs, where students can engage and learn from one another. White boards and comfortable chairs allow them to study and interact.
鈥淲e really created a building that鈥檚 more student friendly. And more faculty friendly,鈥� said Bretz. 鈥淲e鈥檝e brought a life to the building that wasn鈥檛 there prior to the renovation.鈥�