Old Tech had been deteriorating continuously since the 1930s, but the harsh winters of 1977-78 caused such damage that it was necessary to relocate the department.  The News Record wrote numerous articles about the need for a replacement building, such as this editorial and lead article in 1978. And the students included this set of carols in their 1979 Christmas play.

Finally, later that year a successful budget request to the State provided the necessary funds.

The photos below show progress on the construction of the Geology-Physics building during 1985-86.  Both departments moved in during the summer of 1987.