Submitted photoBuilt in 1937, the ADS building is the second-oldest building on campus.

TIFTON — The Animal and Dairy Science (ADS) Building on the University of Georgia Tifton Campus, currently being renovated, will feature updated technology and new wet laboratory space when renovations are completed late next year. 

“We’re going to improve the building’s energy efficiency by using all LED lighting, which lasts a long time and pulls very little energy,” said Joe West, assistant dean for UGA Tifton. “We want to try to create a thermal barrier with the windows, and we will put in an efficient central chiller for the new building. All electrical utilities and plumbing will be brand new.”

West said the building will have laboratory space on the first floor as well as office space for laboratory personnel.

“We have a shortage of laboratory space on this campus,” West said. “We’re going to put all of ADS’ operations and laboratories back in that building. The laboratories they currently occupy in the Plant Sciences Building will be vacated, providing laboratory space and technology for new faculty.”

He also said that there will be new information technology in the building.

“We planned all the IT equipment for the building from the start,” West said. “The communications for our computer network will be very modern. There will be monitors in conference rooms rather than older projectors with screens.”

The ADS Building is the second-oldest building on campus after the Tift Building. It was built in 1937 and originally housed the campus library and administrative offices. It is also where Glenn Burton, world-renowned turf scientist, spent time formulating ideas.

“Dr. Glenn Burton, who worked here for 60 years, is an icon on this campus,” West said. “He essentially opened our campus to the world and really helped UGA Tifton blossom. I was a young faculty member here about 30 years ago, and I got to sit down with him and talk. He was a normal guy who just happened to be a genius.”

The changes to the ADS Building come after renovations were completed to the Tift Building in May. The Tift Building is located adjacent to the ADS Building.

West said it’s important to keep buildings like the ADS and Tift buildings in good condition once restored to service.

“These buildings are the anchors and centerpieces for the campus,” West said.

Kyle Dawson is an intern on the UGA Tifton Campus.