Tradeline, Inc. filters and categorizes new-construction and industry news from regional and professional journals across the country. Here you will find new projects, products, and regulatory updates.
Industry News
Honda Builds Biofuels Research Facility
Honda R&D Co. will begin construction in April of 2009 on a cellulosic ethanol research facility in Japan. Located in the Kazusa Akademia Park in Kisarazu, Chiba, the 1,050-sm laboratory will produce biofuels from non-food feedstocks. The building will house research, development, and testing facilities. Completion is expected by November of 2009.
UC Berkeley Dedicates CITRIS Headquarters
The University of California, Berkeley dedicated the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) headquarters on February 27, 2009. Located in the seven-story, 141,000-gsf Sutardja Dai Hall, the facility features the Marvell Nanofabrication Laboratory which contains two 15,000-sf cleanrooms. The multidisciplinary building houses research laboratories, offices, distance learning classrooms, conference rooms, and a 149-seat auditorium.
Select Agent and Biosafety Legislation Proposed in Congress
Two select agent and biosafety bills were proposed in Congress in February of 2009. In the Senate, the Select Agent Program and Biosafety Improvement Act of 2009 would monitor federal oversight of biocontainment laboratories, improve training, and create a system for accident reporting. The act would also provide funding for the U.S. Select Agent Program.
University of Central Oklahoma Builds Center for Transformative Learning
The University of Central Oklahoma is building the $8.5 million Center for Transformative Learning in Edmond. Designed by Frankfurt Short Bruza Associates, the 33,000-sf facility will house progressive instruction in 11 classrooms, an outdoor classroom, and informal learning spaces. The facility will promote interactive and collaborative learning instead of lecture based pedagogy. Completion is slated for May of 2010.
Methodist Hospital Opens Expanded Emergency Department
Methodist Hospital opened its expanded $38.7 million emergency department in Sacramento, Calif., in late February of 2008. The completed 21,876-sf project is three times the size of the previous ER and can treat 75,000 patients annually. Bed count has been increased from 15 to 29. The duration of construction was two years. The facility features a decontamination suite, three critical resuscitation rooms, and a new patient waiting room.