Industry News

The University of Texas System is in the planning  process to build The Sam and Ann Barshop Center for Longevity and Aging Studies at UT’s Health Science Center in San Antonio. The research facility will study the relationship between genes and aging. Fast-track construction of the $20-million, two-story, 48,000-sf structure is scheduled to begin in July 2002, with December 2003 the targeted completion date. The architect for the project is Overland Partners of San Antonio.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association plans to relocate its administrative offices, production units for TV, radio and film, and mailing and distribution operations from Minneapolis to a new  $33 million headquarters in Charlotte. At build-out, the facility is expected to provide 25,000 sf of office space. Phase one construction—approximately 100,000 sf—will be completed in three years. A Billy Graham museum is also planned for the site.

Oepic Inc. has begun constructing the initial 4,000 sf of  what will be a new 12,000-sf cleanroom for manufacturing semiconductors that will speed fiber-optic communications. Technical Builders Inc. of San Jose, Calif., is handling the $5-million project. At completion, the cleanroom will house an additional $20 million in equipment.

Idec Pharmaceuticals is planning to build a new 1,800,000-sf manufacturing and research facility on 60 acres at the 400-acre Ocean Ranch Corporate Center. Groundbreaking for the multi-story buildings is slated for early 2001.

Saint Augustine's College in Raleigh is planning a new 5,000-seat outdoor track and field facility. The $5.4-million development is funded by a private grant of $750,000 with an equal amount from the Raleigh City Council, pending Council approval.