Pioneering the future: A new sciences building
South elevation of the proposed new building
The Department of Physics & Astronomy is poised for change, which requires vision, focus, and the willingness to move forward. These are the qualities of pioneers, and we invite you to join our team of pioneers as we blaze a new trail into the future. We’re excited to announce that the department will be moving to a new building on the University of Utah campus in 2024. The as-yet-unnamed building will include a renovation of and addition to the historic William Stewart Building and will become the new home of the Department of Physics & Astronomy,
Department of Atmospheric Sciences, and related research labs. We’re grateful for the support of Utah lawmakers, who approved funds for the new building. The new facility will provide both departments with state-of-the-art experimental and computing labs, updated classroom/ lecture hall space, enhanced demonstration and community engagement capacity, and office space for the faculty, staff, and students. In the 2021 state of Utah Legislative session, representatives approved a $60 million budget
History of the Stewart Building In 1915, the Utah State Legislature began setting aside funds for the construction of a teacher training building at the University of Utah, which was to house the Normal School (later the Education Department). During World War I, the university was designated as a training camp for the Student Army Training Corps (SATC). This designation, made in 1918, meant that the university was obligated to house and feed a military unit of approximately 1,250 men. The local architectural firm of Young & Hansen designed what would become the Stewart Building for that initial purpose—but with the intent of later converting it to the Normal School. This building housed the Stewart Training School from 1919 until 1966. It was officially named the William M. Stewart Building in 1968.
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