Industry News

Oberlin College has completed construction of its new Science Center in Oberlin, Ohio. Replacing the Kettering Science Building built in the 1960s, the new facility is a planned village of appropriately scaled buildings around a unifying “science lawn”. The Science Center houses teaching and research space for biology, chemistry, neuroscience and physics, as well as a new science library, shared lecture halls, and a common area.

The University of Texas Southwest Medical Center is engaged in the demolition and renovation of 24,000 sf of advanced cell biology workspace in Dallas. Omniplan Architects of Dallas designed the project, which will be completed by contractor McCarthy in two distinct phases.

Washington University has recently completed the 114,000-sf Whitaker Biomedical Engineering facility in St. Louis. The $33-million facility houses 22,000 sf of wet and dry laboratory space, including 18 advanced technology labs, and 3,000 sf of vivarium space. The structure also includes a 240-seat auditorium and 45 faculty and student offices. The project was designed by architect SBRA of Boston and built by contractor McCarthy.

Omaha, Neb.-based Alegent Health is working with contractor McCarthy to develop 443,000 sf of new construction and 158,000 sf of renovation spread over Alegent’s four medical centers in the greater Omaha area. Included in the project is construction of six major structures, the vertical expansion of an existing radiology building, along with significant site and physical plant work. The majority of the work – all to be completed by August 2005 – is being done in and around operational facilities. The project architect is Leo A. Daly of Omaha, Nebr.

The University of California, Davis has topped out the new $28-million Activity and Recreation Center. Designed by Cannon Design of Los Angeles, the 155,000-sf, two-story center is comprised of four adjoining buildings to house a student center with ballroom, conference center, food service, and club meeting rooms. Recreational facilities include basketball and racquetball courts, an elevated indoor running track, a weightlifting room, and a large locker room. A connecting link will join the existing athletic facility, housing an 8,000-seat sports arena, to the new complex.