Industry News

Construction has begun on two new buildings on the University of Arizona, Tucson campus: the Institute for Biomedical Science and Biotechnology (IBSB) and the Medical Research Building (MRB). Designed by Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership, both facilities are comprised of four levels of highly flexible research, office, and support spaces with a connection to a below-ground vivarium. A physical link, inside and out, will facilitate collaboration among multidisciplined sciences. The buildings will frame a central courtyard envisioned as the social heart of the new research community.

Sequoia Hospital has decided to build a new hospital at its current Redwood City, Calif., site after a year of seeking a new area location. The $300-million project will rebuild the hospital to meet seismic standards and create additional medical offices. The new hospital will be constructed in the existing facility’s parking lot. Construction will begin in 2006 with occupancy scheduled for 2009.

Pharmaceutical giant Merck is constructing a 300,000-sf facility in the Longwood Medical Area of Boston. Slated to open in late 2004, the 18-story facility will employ 450 workers.

Analytical Graphics has expanded with the lease of 67,000 sf in the Valley Creek Corporate Center in Malvern, Pa. Analytical Graphics, previously located in 37,500 sf at Malvern’s Commons at Valley Forge, makes geospatial analysis and visualization software for the aerospace, defense, and intelligence industries.

Bayer Healthcare Diagnostics Division is relocating from Medfield to 100,000-sf in Norwood, Mass. A $5-million wet lab will be developed in the facility prior to occupancy in January 2005.