University of Rhode Island Constructs Undersea Exploration Center

The University of Rhode Island has initiated construction on the $15 million Undersea Exploration Center in Narragansett. The project, which includes an expansion and rehabilitation of the Pell Marine Science Library, is being constructed by Gilbane Building Companies. Designed by Burt Hill of Boston, the project will integrate key resources and services of the Graduate School of Oceanography. The centerpiece of the 41,000-sf facility will be the Inner Space Center which will use a satellite system and Internet2 to allow URI scientists and students to participate fully in ocean-going research expeditions without leaving campus. In addition, the facility will house research offices, laboratory space, a central computing area, administration, and a new campus gathering place. It will allow for growth of the Pell Library’s collection and incorporate new electronic facilities to provide information services to users. Construction is expected to reach completion in the Spring of 2009.