BOULDER - A face-lift at the University of Colorado-Boulder's Engineering Center costing about $750,000 will create more space for students and administrators and make the building more energy efficient.

The remodel includes a new entryway and reception area, an approximately 300-square-foot expansion in the building lobby and an area where seven new administrative offices, said JoAnn Zelasko, assistant dean for administration at CU's College of Engineering and Applied Science. Zelasko is overseeing the project, which also will include replacing existing glass in windows and doors with more energy-efficient glass.

Completion of the project, which began this fall, is expected by spring.

The lobby has "become the place to be" for students to study and gather, Zelasko said. Other upgraded areas will provide new space for administrators and students to interact, she said.

"As a college, we're growing," Zelasko said. "We need more space."

Boulder-based Whitestone Construction Services Inc. was the winning bidder on the project, which is ongoing throughout the semester, Zelasko said. The three improvements were budgeted together to save money overall, and funds are coming out of the College of Engineering's budget, Zelasko said.