The renovation of the historic Jennings Hall (formerly B&Z) will begin Spring Quarter, 2005. The original piece of this "five-piece" structure, one of the university's oldest landmarks, was completed in 1914 and has had several additions since that time. Nearly every Ohio State student has passed through its doors, including James Thurber, who once struggled to see through a microscope in one of its Botany laboratories.

The plans feature a literal "timeline" through the building. Architectural features will be preserved in the building's redesign, so that those entering through the main Neil Avenue doors will experience its historical impact. Walking from east to west through the building will be a walk from the early 20th Century into the 2lst.

The project involves both renovation and demolition, updating building mechanicals to modern standards and changing some of the structure's room and corridor orientations to be more functional, while restoring and maintaining much of its original integrity, grandeur and beauty. Renovation is scheduled for completion in 2006.

Numerous opportunities are available for naming rooms and wings of this wonderful piece of Ohio State's past, along with a 200-250 seat auditorium addition planned as part of the project.

The renovation of Jennings with its modern classroom and laboratory spaces will enhance our mission of providing exceptional undergraduate educational opportunities. Also, Jennings will house the Mathematical Biosciences Institute, a new initiative that facilitates interdisciplinary research between mathematicians and biologists.

Also planned for this area is a park-like green space between Jennings and Aronoff and a "River of Trees," to the north of the project, which will link Mirror Lake Hollow to the Olentangy River. Both spaces will create learning opportunities for biological sciences students.