KBE Underway on Modernization of UConn’s Plant Diagnostic Lab
KBE Building Corporation Revitalizes UConn’s Jones Lab Annex | Rendering Courtesy of The S/L/A/M Collaborative
KBE Building Corporation, serving as the general contractor, is nearing completion of the Jones Lab renovation at the University of Connecticut, a project that began in June 2025. Once finished, the updated Jones Annex will support faculty and professional staff from the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, serving as the new home for the Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory, the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, and the Home & Garden Education Center.
The 8,000-square-foot renovation is designed to deliver modern, specialized laboratory environments tailored to a range of functions, including sample extraction and preparation, soil drying and sieving, instrumentation, chemical storage, and grinding. The space will also feature dedicated storage for soil and compost education materials, airgas tank storage, a water treatment system, computer workstations, offices, and supporting administrative areas.
This newly renovated space will serve as a hub of activity for students and the public, fostering a deeper understanding of agriculture and addressing critical issues such as feeding the future, protecting the environment, and interacting with nature. It will feature demonstration gardens and educational displays highlighting various soil types and plant species, as well as dedicated space for the public to learn about the latest plant pests and pathogens. Visitors will also have access to diagnostic services aimed at improving plant production.
In addition, a new research innovation lab will provide a flexible, high-tech environment for project-based experimentation. By bringing these elements together in one centralized location, the facility will enhance opportunities for students to engage with every aspect of plant and soil health, from research and diagnostics to public education and outreach.
Throughout construction, the main Jones Building has remained fully operational, requiring careful coordination with Academic Renovations to minimize disruptions to faculty and staff. Meanwhile, the Jones Annex has been closed to the public for the duration of the work to ensure safety and efficiency as the project progresses toward completion.