09/01/16 dgo
HAYS, Kan. -- The public is invited to a construction preview for the newest academic building on the Fort Hays State University campus.

An update on construction of the Center for Applied Technology and Sculpture is set for 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, in the circular drive on the west side of the Memorial Union. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Sunset Atrium of the Memorial Union.

Construction on the building is ongoing at the corner of North College Drive and Eighth Street, just northwest of the Memorial Union on a former parking lot. The CATS, set to open in fall 2017, will be the new home to all of the industrial technology programs, technology and engineering education and a sculpture/art studio.

The 58,000 square-foot structure will feature two stories on the front and a story and a half near the rear of the building, with a facade that accents the traditional limestone look of the FHSU campus. The building will also feature an iron and millwork covered entryway and other classic industrial characteristics.

At one end of a two-story, glassed-in atrium area near the front entrance will be a small social cafe nook. Completing the center of the atrium will be two seminar classrooms and an area that will be used for symposiums, technology days and student recruitment.