Higher Education

Murray State University opened the new Breathitt Veterinary Center in May of 2017 in Hopkinsville, Ky. Replacing the state’s existing animal health lab, the $33 million facility features a BSL-3 suite, an expanded necropsy area, technology-rich classrooms, and collaborative research space. The 77,000-sf center provides 53,000 sf of dedicated diagnostic facilities and features an advanced HVAC system to enhance biosecurity throughout the building. Ground was broken in September of 2014 on the sustainably designed project, which is expected to attain LEED Silver.

Boston University broke ground in May of 2015 on the $150 million Center for Integrated Life Sciences and Engineering (CILSE). Designed by Payette, the nine-story, 170,000-sf facility will support interdisciplinary research on synthetic biology, systems neuroscience, cognitive neuroimaging, and biological design. The project will exceed Boston University’s base energy efficiency code by 30 percent and will have building systems and utilities located on the second and third floors to ensure continuing operations in the event of a flood.

Lafayette College broke ground in May of 2017 on the $75 million Rockwell Integrated Science Center in Easton, Pa. Housing the departments of biology, computer science, and environmental studies, the five-story, 102,000-sf facility will feature an entrepreneurship incubator as well as accommodating programs in engineering and neuroscience. The design architect for the project is Payette and the project manager is Aegis Property Group.

Westfield State University opened the Dr. Nettie M. Stevens Science and Innovation Center in May of 2017 in Westfield, Mass. Designed by Cambridge Seven Associates, the $48 million facility features a technology-rich interdisciplinary classroom, medical simulation suites, teaching and research labs, and study spaces. Accommodating programs in biology, chemistry, physics, nursing, and allied health, the 54,472-sf center includes a tissue culture suite, growth chambers, and environmental control rooms.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota opened the $20 million Science and Learning Center in May of 2017 in Winona, Minn. Designed and built by Wight & Company of Chicago, the three-story, 50,000-sf teaching and research facility provides technology-rich labs and classrooms for interactive learning. Featuring a 120-seat tiered auditorium and a three-story atrium, the center includes a cell culture suite, an anatomy and physiology lab, and an organic chemistry lab with 10 glass fume hoods for optimal visibility.

The University of Rhode Island broke ground in April of 2017 on a $125 million engineering complex in Kingston. Designed by Ballinger to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, the 190,000-sf facility will provide open and flexible teaching, learning, and research space for seven engineering programs. The project will feature three large active-learning classrooms, four teaching labs, four research labs, two computer labs, a robotics lab, a 24/7 student makerspace, capstone project areas, and two wings of offices.

College and University directives targeting student life, engagement, knowledge transfer, discovery, and resource utilization are transforming capital project priorities and initiatives, space plans, and campus planning decisions on all types of buildings and space.  We’d like your opinion on the specific facility and campus initiatives that your institution (or your clients) will be investing in. We'll compile the survey results and return them to you so you can compare your priorities with the top issues that others are focusing on.

University professionals click here to begin the survey. 

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Texas Tech University Health Science Center broke ground in May of 2017 on the $83 million Medical Sciences Building II in El Paso. Designed by Perkins+Will, the five-story, 219,000-sf facility will double the campus’ biomedical research capacity with advanced laboratories and offices for investigators and faculty members. The project will also house a 9,200-sf teaching auditorium capable of accommodating 500 students, classrooms, study spaces, a library, a dining area, and administrative offices.

Montclair State University’s Center for Environmental and Life Sciences (CELS) has attained LEED Gold sustainable design certification. Designed by The S/L/A/M Collaborative, the 107,500-sf facility provides seven interdisciplinary research suites, six core labs, classrooms, offices, seminar rooms, a 100-seat lecture hall, and a microscopy suite.

Auburn University will begin construction in summer of 2017 on the Poultry Infectious Disease Biocontainment Research Facility in Auburn, Ala. Designed to exceed state and federal compliance standards, the 5,000-sf facility will enable investigators from the College of Agriculture to perform research on live birds as well as infectious disease agents. Occupancy is expected in summer of 2018. Additionally, a $3 million administration building will be constructed at the Charles C. Miller Jr. Poultry Research and Education Center.

Vanderbilt University will break ground in late spring of 2017 on a $23.6 million expansion of the School of Nursing in Nashville. Designed by Hastings Architecture Associates, the five-story, 30,000-sf addition will provide classrooms, conference and seminar rooms, faculty and administrative offices, and a simulation training lab. The facility will also feature virtual classrooms to support distance learning programs and technology-enhanced instructional spaces to promote interaction and collaboration.

The $295 million Dell Seton Medical Center opened in May of 2017 in Austin, Texas. Designed by HKS and built by JE Dunn, the 517,000-sf teaching hospital accommodates training programs for the University of Texas Dell Medical School and features 13 technology-rich operating rooms and a telemedicine monitoring suite. LEED sustainable design certification will be sought for the 211-bed facility, which is owned and operated by Seton Healthcare Family, a subsidiary of Ascension Health.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is planning to construct a $30 million facility to support applied STEM programs. Replacing the existing Otto Olsen Hall, the collaborative 80,000-sf facility will feature labs for engineering, computer sciences, physics, applied science, mechatronics, hydraulics and pneumatics, and virtual design and construction simulation. The project will also include technology-rich classrooms, a full-motion simulator, and an ITEC Testing Center. Occupancy is expected in October of 2019.

California State University, Sacramento broke ground in April of 2017 on the $91.5 million Science II building. Designed by CO Architects, the 94,500-sf facility will provide advanced laboratories for chemistry and biology, an observatory, and a planetarium. Completion is expected in June of 2019. The general contractor for the project is Sundt Construction.

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory opened its new $53 million headquarters in College Station in April of 2017. Designed by Perkins+Will, the 93,000-sf facility features open-plan research areas, BSL-3 labs for the detection and study of infectious diseases, BSL-2 labs, a full-service necropsy suite, a conference room, and a secure sample drop-off area. Vaughn Construction broke ground on the project in late 2014.