Two lab spaces containing antiquated equipment in Building One will be transformed into another resource to help bolster student success at Cal Poly Pomona.

In past decades, Rooms 304 and 305 were used by students to develop photos and film using chemical solutions. Advances in digital photography and high-definition video have rendered those spaces obsolete.

The two rooms on the third floor of Building One will be converted into a state-of-the-art computer lab and add to the portfolio of academic resources for students. The 1,700-square-foot space will contain up to 60 computer workstations and a shared meeting space for faculty members and students.

The demolition of the rooms started on Oct. 5 and will involve removing sinks that were used to drain photo and film developing solutions, antiquated photo development equipment, darkroom lighting fixtures and shelves.

The renovation of the rooms also will require a revised power network to accommodate the computers, electrical outlets and lights in the communal space.

Facilities Planning & Management is overseeing all aspects of the renovation and Stan Suh is the project manager. The target date for completion of the computer lab is early 2021.

Existing computer labs are located in the University Library and the Campus Center (Building 97), and contain more than 350 computers for student use.