Center Performs Biomedical Research at Institutional and Commercial Levels
Academic science centers have the power to attract and retain top talent, draw private sector interest, and maximize opportunities to commercialize research. When it comes to building these types of facilities, planning components and financial parameters, in addition to financing structures that balance capital preservation and control, are essential. The development of a new research building at BioSquare, Boston University's bio-research park, was a case study in preserving capital, mitigating risk, and maximizing private sector interest, all while advancing biomedical research.

Unique Team Structure Led to Fast-track Project Completion in 20 Months
Since the September 11 attacks in 2001, Battelle, with the nation's largest privately owned BSL-3 laboratory, has seen continuous and substantial growth due to an increased interest in Select Agent research. Battelle conducts the bulk of this type of research at its 183,000+-sf Biomedical Research Center (BRC) in West Jefferson, Ohio, 17 miles from the organization's headquarters in Columbus.

Proper Planning is Necessary for Successful Implementation and Operation
The National Swine Resource and Research Center (NSRRC) at the University of Missouri-Columbia epitomizes the successful design and construction of an animal barrier facility. Established in 2003, the NSRRC serves as a central resource for the creation of genetically modified swine, and as a source of information and training related to the use of these animals in biomedical research. Swine are the ideal species for the investigation of numerous human diseases and have made valuable contributions to nearly every field of human medicine. They make good models because they share anatomical and physiological characteristics with humans.

Mechanical expenses accounted for more than $2 million of the construction costs for the National Swine Resource and Research Center (NSRRC). The total project was $5.8 million with $2.8 million for general construction, $568,000 for electrical costs, and $420,000 for the waste treatment facility.

Even When Mice Predominate, Flexibility to Accommodate Multiple Species is Essential
One of the obvious trends in new animal facilities is the increasing emphasis on mice, especially the transgenic variety. It's not unusual to find vivariums where the mouse population accounts for two-thirds or more of the total animal holding space, according to Stan Dannemiller, D.V.M., director of the biological resources unit of the Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute (LRI), which recently brought a new 100,000-sf animal facility online.

Design Strategies Focus on Facility Logistics and Efficient Operating Protocols
Animal facility projects, both new or renovation, are a balancing act between capital constraints and operational processes in achieving specific functional performance outcomes and operating efficiencies.

New Large-Animal Research Facility in Ames, Iowa, Incorporates the Latest Design Features for Safe Operations
Risk of injury is a given for people working with large animals. Approximately 25 percent of injuries to animal-handling personnel are due to poorly designed equipment and facilities. Even in relatively pastoral farm settings, one-third of worker injuries are animal-related. In research laboratory environments, large animals pose an even greater threat because they are housed in facilities that are different from their usual environment. Their movements are restricted, they are physically isolated from other animals, and sounds and lights are unfamiliar.

Part I The Relentless Drive for Revenue Growth
Tradeline presents a two-part white paper on the strategic management of real estate in the financial services section. In Part I financial services firms are faced with the constant search for revenue growth, grapple with four common problems, and look at an Integrated Workplace Management System as a possible solution.