Knox College Partners with Regional Firms RATIO, Russell on $10 Million Renovation of Science Building

Knox College recently began work on a $10 million renovation to the Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center, partnering with two regional companies: RATIO Design and Russell. 

The Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center is home to Knox’s biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, and psychology departments, along with the Amott Science Commons, a collaborative learning space that includes the College’s Makerspace Hub. Funded by a $10 million grant from the State of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the current renovation project will focus primarily on the building’s C-Wing, which houses the chemistry classrooms and laboratories, common spaces, and faculty offices, as well as upgrades to building systems.

“Knox is grateful to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for their investment in Knox, the State of Illinois for its investment in higher education across the state, and our partners, RATIO and Russell, as we embark on this transformative capital project,” said Knox College President C. Andrew McGadney. “As an historic campus, investments in academic buildings and infrastructure are crucial to ensuring that teaching and learning takes place in modern, state-of-the-art facilities.”

The renovation project officially kicked off in September, when RATIO Design began holding  discovery and feedback sessions with Knox College faculty and staff. “This systematic and transformative renovation will enhance interdisciplinary campus-wide connections, advance functionality and provide future adaptability for STEM teaching and research,” said RATIO Design Principal Rebecca Hinz.

Russell has also participated in these sessions to ensure that construction plans and materials will be secured in time for the construction process to begin. The planning phase is expected to take 12 months, immediately followed by construction.  

“At the heart of this project are the students and educators who make Knox College such a remarkable community. I’m grateful for the opportunity for Russell to be part of the team bringing Knox’s vision for the Umbeck Science & Math Center to life,” said Matt Rebro, vice president at Russell. “This facility will create modern, accessible, and energy-efficient spaces that inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and scholars, while continuing our long-standing commitment to Galesburg and Knox County."

Knox has also established an Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center Renovation Steering Committee that is working closely with RATIO and Russell to finalize plans and designs. The steering committee consists of Knox administrators, faculty, and staff and includes Caleb Bennett, director of information systems and strategic analytics; Heather Bumps, vice president for strategic initiatives and chief of staff; Melissa Glenn, provost and dean of the faculty; Diana Cermak, Richard P. & Sophia D. Henke Distinguished Professor and chair of chemistry; Brad Nolden, vice president for administration and general counsel, Patrick Pendergast, manager of campus operations and maintenance; and Mark Slabodnick, assistant professor of biology.

“To add new knowledge to the chemical field is incredibly exciting and important, but research at the frontier of chemistry is challenging. It necessarily requires an immense amount of infrastructure to provide a controlled laboratory environment. The chemistry department is very enthusiastic to meet with the architects to explore the project scope to update the science building’s infrastructure," said Associate Professor of Chemistry Helen M. Hoyt '01. "Modernizing these systems will enable future generations of Knox science students and faculty to ask and answer their own research questions.”

"Our RATIO team is delighted to partner with Knox College and the Galesburg community on this important rehabilitation and renovation of the Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center. We are excited about this partnership and creating spaces together that encourage innovation and inspiration for the students, staff and faculty of Knox College for years to come,” added Hinz.

The current renovation of the Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center is the first since 2020, when renovations of the building’s entryway and central learning core were completed. The  renovation expanded the atrium that brought more light—and a 55-foot fin whale skeleton—into the entryway and provided seating and study areas for students and visitors, as well as the Amott Science Commons and six modern classrooms.

“This latest renovation of the Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center will provide our STEM faculty and students with spaces that embrace a new standard for interaction, instruction, and research, helping to position Knox as a leader in scientific inquiry and creativity” added President McGadney. 

About our Partners

RATIO is a global design firm. They design for impact with interdisciplinary teams, offering architecture, historic preservation, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design, and graphic design services. Founded in 1982, RATIO has completed work in more than 41 states in the US and 15 countries and territories around the world. Learn more at https://ratiodesign.com/.

Established in 1983, Russell is a regional and national provider of commercial construction and development services headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, with offices in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield, MO. Russell has delivered more than $7 billion in projects across 34 states and remains dedicated to creating more than a project – we are building great people, relationships, and communities.  For more information on Russell, please visit our website at www.russellco.com.