MONACA, Pa. — For months, those who use the Michael Baker Building have been calling it one of the best in the Penn State University system.
As it turns out, the praise is not hyperbole.
The Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania recently named the Penn State Beaver building a finalist in its annual Building Excellence Awards.
The Michael Baker Building, which Jendoco Construction overhauled last year, came in second in a field of 10 finalists in the Renovation Construction Under $10 Million category. The Liberty Center lobby renovation in downtown Pittsburgh won the category.
The yearlong renovation gave the 48-year-old Michael Baker Building its first full facelift since its construction. It now boasts 15 classrooms, 12 faculty offices, two student lounges, and 80 percent more natural light.
The building is home to the campus’ engineering, information sciences and technology, chemistry, arts, and communications classes.