Industry News

The University of Chicago will begin construction in fall 2005 on the $31-million Howard T. Ricketts Laboratory, a germ research facility to be located at Argonne National Laboratory, which the University manages for the federal government.

Boston University Medical Center has received final approval from the Boston Redevelopment Authority for its 410,000-sf BioSquare Phase II project in Boston. Funded by a $128 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the project will include a BSL-4 research laboratory and a 1,400-space parking garage. The facility will be part of a national network of laboratories dedicated to countering bioterror agents by developing drugs, treatments, and vaccines.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is planning to construct a $22-million regional biocontainment laboratory on its Memphis campus. Focusing on bio-defense and infectious disease research, the facility will be funded with bonds and $14.8 million from the National Institutes of Health . Additionally, a $43-million pharmacy facility will also be constructed at the UT Health Science Center.  

The University of Georgia has selected Gilbane as the design-builder for the renovation and modernization of its College of Veterinary Medicine's 73,000-sf Animal Health Research Center, a BSL-3 Ag facility in Athens, Ga. The $35-million project includes reconstruction of laboratories, large animal suites, and support spaces to meet current codes; and upgrades to the existing building layout, security, systems, and functions.

Opening in early 2006, the Arkansas Department of Health 's new $23-million, 82,000-sf public health laboratory will serve as a first responder facility, accommodating biological and chemical terrorism preparedness reaction for the state.