The complex, which opens for classes in fall 2019, surpasses the state’s Title 24 energy code standards by 27.5 percent. It was designed to achieve LEED Gold certification.

“LEED Gold is hard to get in a science lab building that requires so much energy to operate effectively,” says campus project manager Tania Nunez. “Some of the LEED points will come from the design of the exterior precast-panel skin system and window fritting patterns that reduce glare and cooling costs. But much of what we do isn’t as easily visible.”

The 96,631-square-foot building with views of the Guy West Bridge over the American River will put science on display with glass-walled and state-of-the-art biology and chemistry research and teaching labs. Hallways will be airy and light-filled. Two large telescopes will stand permanently beneath a retractable roof in the fifth-floor observatory, and exterior pedestals can hold five smaller telescopes for special nighttime-viewing experiences.

Sacramento State will celebrate the Science Complex’s grand opening Sept. 18 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours, and demonstrations by student clubs. Visitors will be able to view “science on display” as they pass by the sparkling, glass-walled labs filled with student scientists at work.

Sure to be the heartthrob of the Science Complex is the 2,500-square-foot planetarium nestled in the crook of the five-story main building. It was designed to seat 90 people for “sky shows” and 120 for lectures.

The planetarium, a resource for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, is expected to engage 15,000 schoolchildren and members of the general public annually.

 “The new Science Complex will exemplify its theme of ‘science on display’ through the open, glass-rich design that will provide the opportunity for students to see science in action and engage in hands-on experiences,” says Joanna Mott, dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

CSU allocated $71 million for the Science Complex. Sacramento State is tasked with raising $20 million to support applied research spaces and programs. 

The building bears the name of
Tschannen (pronounced “shannon”), the immigrant real estate entrepreneur whose $9 million donation to the project was the largest single gift in Sac State’s 72-year history. Many naming opportunities remain, including the chance to “adopt” a seat in the planetarium – and help to build an endowment – for just $1,000.

Following the groundbreaking in September 2017, construction has continued on time and within budget.

CO Architects teamed with the University and Sundt Construction for a design-build partnership to deliver the Science Complex.