Industry News

Mead Johnson Nutrition broke ground on the $26.2 million Global Research and Development Technology Center in Evansville, Ind., in December of 2008. Housing pediatric nutrition research, the 30,000-sf facility will feature a pilot production spray dryer for testing trial formulations of products in powder form. Completion is expected in summer of 2010.

Florida Hospital Kissimmee's 85,000-sf outpatient center and medical office building is slated for completion in fall of 2009. Chicago-based Lillibridge began construction on the project in September of 2008. The facility will house an ambulatory surgery center, outpatient imaging, orthopedic care, OB/GYN services, and a two-story atrium. Florida Hospital Kissimmee is also planning to build a patient tower.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture broke ground on a new animal health diagnostic laboratory in December of 2008. The BSL-3 facility is located near the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory in Harrisburg and will provide laboratories for animal disease testing and diagnosis. The project is part of the statewide Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission which includes the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory in Harrisburg, the Animal Diagnostic Laboratory at Penn State University, and facilities at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.

Biogen Idec will relocate its headquarters to a 350,000-sf facility in Weston, Ma., in 2010. Construction of the Weston facility is being managed by Boston Properties. Biogen Idec’s previous 375,000-sf headquarters in Cambridge will be converted into laboratory space.

Shanghai Tower Construction and Development Corporation broke ground on the 128-story Shanghai Tower on November 28, 2008. Designed by Gensler, the project will stand 2,074 feet tall and will be the tallest building in China. Housing offices, retail, and a hotel, the double-skinned building will feature an unenclosed observation deck, windmill generators, and rainwater collection facilities.