Industry News

Colorado State University opened the renovated Animal Sciences Building in September of 2014. The $19.5 million project created technology-rich classrooms and teaching labs in the 42,000-sf facility. The Animal Sciences Building includes BSL-2 research areas, labs for anatomy and physiology, and instructional space for microbiology and food safety. New mechanical, electrical, and telecommunications systems were installed. Construction began on the LEED-certified project in June of 2012 with completion in August of 2014.

The Jackson Laboratory opened the $135 million JAX Genomic Medicine facility in October of 2014 in Farmington, Conn. Located on 17 acres at the University of Connecticut Health Science Center, the four-story, 183,500-sf building features 17 wet labs and 17 dry labs arranged in flexible, collaborative clusters. The facility also provides core service labs, two large conference rooms, offices, a data center, and a 200-seat auditorium.

Central Michigan University began construction in September of 2014 on the $95 million Biosciences Building in Mount Pleasant. Designed by Stantec, the four-story, 169,000-sf facility will provide teaching labs, research labs, a BSL-3 suite, lecture halls, classrooms, faculty offices, an auditorium, an herbarium, an imaging center, and an aquatic research vivarium. Occupancy is expected in January of 2017. LEED Silver sustainable design certification will be sought for the project, which is is being built by Clark Construction.

Murray State University broke ground on the new Breathitt Veterinary Center in September of 2014. Located in Hopkinsville, Ky., the $32.4 million facility will provide laboratories for pathology, virology, toxicology, microbiology, clinical chemistry, histology, serology, and molecular diagnostics. Replacing the state’s existing animal disease diagnostic lab, the 53,000-sf project will include a BSL-3 suite as well as technology-rich classrooms and collaborative research space.

Sam Houston State University is constructing the Sycamore Vivarium in Huntsville, Texas. Designed by FKP Architects and built by Vaughn Construction, the $1.6 million project will provide rodent housing, four animal holding rooms, and a procedure room. Completion is expected in December of 2014 with occupancy in spring of 2015.