Grand Opening of the U of U Applied Sciences Building
Photo courtesy Todd Anderson
Ushering in Expansion, Innovation for Higher Ed STEM Facilities
On July 16, 2025, the new 100,000 sf University of Utah Applied Sciences Building, now officially named the L.S. Skaggs Applied Science Building, was unveiled. The building now completes the expanded Crocker Science Complex--which comprises three buildings: the new L.S. Skaggs Applied Science Building, the existing Crocker Science Center, and the recently renovated William Stewart Building. Together, they form a 275,000 sf state-of-the-art complex for science and research. The buildings will support and provide STEM curriculum for 37 university programs and serve 5,600 students annually.
The event featured Utah Governor Spencer Cox, philanthropists Gary and Ann Crocker and Mark Skaggs, and church leader and scientist Henry B. Eyring, alongside university leaders who all spoke passionately about investing in Utah’s future through science education. In a University of Utah press release, University President Taylor Randall said, "These facilities will cultivate the next generation of innovators while advancing breakthrough research that will transform lives and communities for decades to come. The discoveries made within these walls have the potential to revolutionize how we address society's greatest challenges."
“These facilities will cultivate the next generation of innovators while advancing breakthrough research that will transform lives and communities for decades to come. The discoveries made within these walls have the potential to revolutionize how we address society’s greatest challenges.”
Photos courtesy Todd Anderson
Envision's Role: Engineering Systems that Power Discovery
In collaboration with EDA Architects and Okland Construction, Envision Engineering played a leading role in the electrical engineering for the project, located prominently near President’s Circle on the university's campus.
Leveraging decades of experience in higher education and science/laboratory environments, the Envision team provided high-efficiency electrical distribution systems; intelligent lighting and control design meeting energy codes and lab safety needs; robust telecommunications and data infrastructure to support advanced research computing; integrated fire alarm, electronic safety, and security systems, including VESDA smoke detection.
Specialized Expertise in Higher Education Laboratory + Academic Facilities
Envision’s portfolio includes laboratory, research, and education facilities across the Intermountain West. This depth of experience helped us understand the unique demands of a dual-function facility—balancing the sensitive needs of high-level research environments with public educational access and needs.
Why This Project Matters — and How Envision Delivered
With a 56% increase in physics and computer lab capacity, the Applied Science Building addresses long-standing space constraints and unlocks new capacity for research, teaching, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Envision’s role in designing resilient infrastructure ensures that every outlet, data port, light fixture, and sensor in this facility supports that mission.
Engineering Innovative Higher Ed Facilities
The Applied Science Project is more than a physical structure—it’s a foundation for Utah’s scientific and technological growth. At Envision Engineering, we’re proud to contribute not just design plans and construction specifications, but strategy, foresight, and systems designed to serve the next generation of scientists.
As we look to the future, Envision remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what thoughtful engineering can achieve in higher education. The University of Utah’s Applied Sciences Building, and Crocker Science Complex as a whole, stands as a lasting example of our mission: to engineer environments where innovation thrives.
Learn more about the U of U Applied Sciences Building and other projects demonstrating our expertise in the Higher Education and Laboratory/Science/Technology sectors.