Industry News

Children's Medical Center of Dallas is working with EDI Ltd., an Atlanta-based technology consulting company, to finalize the design of security and communications systems for the newly renovated Children's Pavilion and East Tower expansion projects. Occupancy of the Pavilion is expected in March 2003, with the East Tower reaching occupancy by the third quarter of the year. Formerly part of Men's Wear Mart, the Children's Pavilion includes a 35,000-sf day surgery center, 55,000-sf of administrative offices and a parking garage.

Saint Louis University will raise $45-million to build a new university arena in Midtown St. Louis. Hosting basketball games, commencement, cultural events, conferences and conventions, the proposed 12,000- to 13,000-seat area will also provide a venue for entertainment, sporting competitions and other events.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has selected architectural firm Designform Inc. of Birmingham as lead designer for a 40,000-sf office facility and a 1,200-car parking structure to be built at the western campus entrance. The office facility, housing labs, classrooms, administrative offices, and the visitor's center, will feature a concave glass wall.

Onramp Access, an Austin-based Internet service provider, relocated its headquarters on March 1, 2003 from 9,000 sf of office and 2,000 sf of data center space in downtown Austin to a leased facility in East Austin with 12,000 sf of office space and a data center totalling 9,000 sf. 

North Carolina State University has selected Boney Architects of Wilmington, with an office in Raleigh, as project architect for the planned $9-million Friday Institute. The 32,000-sf educational research and teacher training center will be located next to the Centennial Campus Middle School in Raleigh. Groundbreaking is slated for early 2004.