GIS Building Construction 2011-2013

GIS began construction of its headquarters on the RIT campus in May 2011, and the new building was completed in January 2013. The photo-timeline below documents the construction progress from groundbreaking to faculty moving-in day.

Architectural rendering of the GIS facility (courtesy of SWBR Architects and Engineers).

Mid-June 2011: After a month of preparation, excavation begins on the foundation.

Early August 2011: The foundation moves right along.

Mid-September 2011: The building starts to grow taller.

Mid-December 2011: Construction continues on the building's exterior thanks to a sunny day and still-snowless winter season.

Mid-January 2012: Wrapped up for the winter; weatherproof enclosure enables work to continue on the building's interior until spring arrives in April.

Early March 2012: A glimpse into the future hallways and labs of the new building.

Late March 2012: Springtime brings flowering trees to campus and windows to the new building.

Late April 2012: Interior walls are going up.

Early July 2012: The main entrance is taking shape.

Early July 2012: Lab and research space is becoming defined.

Early August 2012: The main entrance and portico are nearing completion.

Mid-August 2012: White I-beams to support the new building's green roof section are installed.

Mid-September 2012: Some windows have a highly insulating translucent nano gel that allows light to enter.

Late-September 2012: Meanwhile, the quad between the new and existing buildings gets a new configuration.

Early October 2012: Solar panel installation on the roof is complete.

Early October 2012: Solar panel installation on the roof is complete.

Mid-October 2012: Installing the sun shade system on the south-facing exterior.

Early November 2012: Rooftop garden is prepared prior to planting.

Mid-November 2012: Future classroom area gets new carpeting and furniture.

Mid-December 2012: The fuel cell arrives and is installed.

Mid-December 2012: Stairs, railings and floors receive final touches.

January 3, 2013: GIS Assistant Professor Dr. Callie Babbitt is among the first to move into the new faculty offices.