Industry News

Syngenta Biotechnology initiated construction on a research and development facility in Beijing in December of 2009. The project represents an investment of $5 million over five years. The center will support research in crop genetics and biofuels.

Deloitte has awarded Turner Construction a $130 million contract to build a 712,000-sf learning and leadership development center in Fort Worth, Texas. Slated for completion in 2011, the facility will house 800 guest rooms, conference spaces, 35 classrooms, and 800 guest rooms. LEED Gold sustainable design certification will be sought for the project.

Brown University is engaged in multiple construction projects on its campus in Providence, R.I. Faunce Hall, a 36,000-sf sf student center, is undergoing a $20 million renovation. Construction began on the $40 million Creative Arts Center in May of 2009. The 35,000-sf facility is slated for completion in fall of 2010. A $42 million renovation of the 73,000-sf Metcalf complex to house cognitive sciences and linguistics will begin in summer of 2010 with completion expected in fall of 2011.

University of Alabama Hospital will open the $164 million Women and Infants Center in Birmingham in February of 2010. Consolidating obstetrics and women’s services, the 430,000-sf facility will house the nation’s largest private-room neonatal nursery. The center features family lounges, a wireless communication system, and an emergency labor and delivery suite. The facility connects on three levels to UAB’s North Pavilion and will also connect to the new Children’s Hospital.

Surrey Memorial Hospital is planning to construct a new critical care tower and emergency department in Surrey, British Columbia. The estimated cost of the project is between $500 and $600 million. The facility will also house academic space and a perinatal center. A design-build team will be selected in 2010.