UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WTAJ) – The Penn State University Board of Trustees approved the renovation of Osmond Laboratory at its meeting on Friday, Feb. 16.

The $115 million project, will include the construction of a 48,000-square-foot addition to the existing structure on Pollock Road. According to the university, this new space will feature cutting-edge research lab spaces and a high-bay research facility for the physics department.

The high-bay research facility will provide space for large-scale instrument assembly and testing that includes balloons, rockets, satellite payloads and deep-underground experiments, which could bring more large interdisciplinary projects to Penn State.

The project will also update existing outdoor spaces and lecture halls as well as the construction of a stormwater-management detention structure to improve the handling of runoff.

Construction is expected to begin in March.