The animal science department is replacing the 70-year-old judging pavilion, torn down last year to make way for the construction of a state-of-the-art addition to Kildee Hall.

The animal science addition, according to the original proposal, will include 74,000 square feet of new construction and 19,000 square feet of remodeling.

The addition will also provide more classrooms and laboratories for the growing department.

Dennis Marple, head of the animal science department, said enrollment in the program has doubled since 1988.

Karen Bolluyt, director of college relations for the College of Agriculture, said the new addition will include modern laboratories for animal nutrition, animal physiology and animal growth and development classes.

“Student numbers in the animal science department are strong and growing. Now they’ll be able to do research that they weren’t able to do previously,” Bolluyt said.

Marple said the second floor of the addition will house research laboratories for animal physiology, molecular genetics and food safety.

Marple said there will also be an isolation area to study food pathogens such as E. coli bacteria and other pathogens that have been in the news.

“The proper facilities are important for Iowa State to be able to address these important research issues,” Marple said.

The addition will also feature special computer labs and an area in the old meat laboratory where animals can be brought into the building for classroom observation.

Bolluyt said the majority of funding for the project came from the Iowa legislature, although there were also private contributions from industry, alumni and other contributors connected to the university.

Construction will last through the summer and academic year. The addition is expected to be completed during summer 1998.