Western Michigan University (WMU) undertook a $44.4 million project to provide its faculty and students with state-of-the-art facilities for instruction and research in the sciences. The project comprised the retrofit of Wood Hall, a classroom building originally built in 1960, and construction of Diether H. Haenicke Hall, a science research facility. The two buildings are linked by an upper-level bridge that spans a pedestrian walkway.

Facilities for biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, geology, geography, psychology and science studies are located in the renovated Wood Hall building. The new labs, classrooms and auditoriums all have the latest in computer and multimedia equipment. In addition, a new 5,000 SF research greenhouse has been constructed on the south side of Wood Hall.