Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences plans to break ground for a new 32-bed student and visiting scientist residence on its East Boothbay campus in April and is inviting the public in to share its plans. The laboratory’s public meeting, to be held at its East Boothbay location at 60 Bigelow Drive, will be on Thursday, Feb. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m.  Laboratory officials and the Scott Simons Architects will be on hand to review the project and to answer questions.

Energy efficiency, ease of maintenance, and respect for the surrounding environment embody the design.

“We are delighted to share our plans for construction of the new residence made possible by the Harold Alfond Foundation and a private donor,” said Bigelow Laboratory Executive Director Graham Shimmield.  “Our intent is to be a good neighbor and we’ve taken due care to make the building attractive and to fit into the landscape.  Next on our list is to try to minimize any disruption that may occur during the construction process and that begins with a dialogue.”

The Harold Alfond Foundation recently awarded the laboratory $3.1 million to construct a 32-bed student and visiting scientist residence with four visitor’s apartments on the laboratory’s East Boothbay campus. Bigelow Laboratory’s educational programs serve high school students from every county in Maine, undergraduate students from across the U.S., professional short course attendees, and visiting scientists from around the globe. The new residence will make it possible for the laboratory to expand its educational and professional development programs.

The 15,000 square-foot dormitory residence will overlook the Damariscotta River on the laboratory’s East Boothbay campus and will be a short walk from the main laboratory building and its shore facility.

More information is available by calling Tim Pinkham at 207-315-2567, ext. 105.