Lone Star College-University Park dedicated its newest building, the Center for Science and Innovation, on University Park Campus Drive on Wednesday morning. The $15.4 million building opened to students in January, several months after flooding from Hurricane Harvey delayed the final phase of construction. The three-story, 50,000-square-foot building provides 12 student labs for programs such as chemistry and microbiology, an astronomy observation deck and a geology rock wall donated by Noble Energy. The project was funded as part of Lone Star College System's $485 million bond package that was approved in 2014. LSCS officials have said the new building was needed to address space shortages on the campus for science and technology programs. “The new facility serves as a resource for this community and will encourage more students to consider STEAM careers,” said Martha Donnelly, LSC-UP interim dean of math and science. Ornamental touches at the facility include inspirational quotes stenciled onto the windows as well as an eye-catching light sculpture that hangs at the top the three-story stairwell. "We wanted to have it as a place of discovery,” said former Dean of Math and Sciences Veronique Tran. “It’s going to be amazing, as students are in the space, that they can discover the hidden gems that we have placed in various places. We want it to be a hands-on learning environment.” Wednesday's event also included an emotional unveiling when officials unveiled a plaque dedicating a space to Tran for her work during the building's conception and construction. “Nobody has spent more time on this building … than Veronique,” Ardalan said. Ardalan also announced plans for Noble Energy and LSCS to collaborate on a plaza in front of the center featuring landscaping and seating areas. In 2019, LSC-UP plans to open a $23.7 million, 40,000-square-foot instructional arts building on the campus across from the science center, also funded by the 2014 bond.