Beginning in March 2004, construction for a new University Creamery will take place at the corner of Bigler Road and Curtin Road.

The Creamery will move from its current home in Borland Lab to a new food science building, and officials hope it will be opened by January 2006.

"Curtin and Shortlidge is like Boardwalk and Park Place -- it's a wonderful location," said Tom Palchak, manager of the Creamery. "We're seeing a lot of growth, and eventually, [the Creamery] will be central to campus."

Palchak said before the move, the Creamery would produce extra ice cream until the new facilities are fully operational. During a transitional period, both locations will be open.

Paul Ruskin, manager of Office of Physical Plant (OPP) said an upgrade in facilities is needed because of new technology and more space for employees and customers. The building will be four stories, with the Creamery located on the ground floor.

OPP will be overseeing the design and hopes to have the building complete by December 2005.

Ruskin said the new facility will have more indoor and outdoor space with expanded parking, but further details about parking were unavailable.

Although floor plans have not been finalized, the new Creamery will be 22,740 square feet, 40 percent larger than its current location.

The area where customers can purchase ice cream and other Creamery products will be nearly three times the current size.

Officials hope to attract football fans by relocating closer to Beaver Stadium.

"The new location will be more convenient for stadium-goers," Ruskin said. "Depending on your walking speed, it is about five minutes closer."

Borland Lab has housed the Creamery since 1932. Despite rumors, the Creamery is not moving due to a safety violation.

"That's another urban legend, like our ice cream's high fat content," Palchak said. "It's time to move out of the building, but there are no concerns about the present structure."

Many students believe the ice cream is not sold off campus because it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Creamery employees have discredited that myth, saying that it's simply impossible to meet production demands.

The new Creamery will be called the Berkey Creamery. Jeanne and Earl Berkey, 1948 Penn State graduates, donated $3 million to the $22 million project. Other money will be drawn from state funds and donations, Palchak said.

"Nearly all of the money has been raised," Palchak said. "Private donors have really stepped up to the plate."

The current location has a lot of history behind it -- fans and many famous celebrities have stopped for a scoop. In fact, former President Bill Clinton was the first person to mix flavors.

"The history is embedded in the ice cream itself," Ruskin said.

Employees are looking forward to the move.

"The move is a good thing. We're very popular, but it's too small," employee Alicia Roman said.

Students seemed to be in favor of the move.

Megan Lighty (freshman-animal science) said, "As long as it's still in walking distance, it's all right with me."

Palchak said the move and growth of the Creamery would be monitored to determine the need for additional staff members.

The College of Arts and Architecture will renovate Borland Lab to include a student gallery and study space after the Creamery moves out, said Dave Will, facility coordinator for the College of Arts and Architecture.

"We're really excited about the opportunities the new space will present to us," he said.