Industry News

Biogen has opened the 1,100-sf Biogen Community Laboratory, a teaching lab located in one of the company's R&D facilities at its Cambridge headquarters. Featuring the most recent laboratory technology, the Community Laboratory will serve Cambridge public school students. 50 Cambridge Rindge and Latin School students participated in a molecular genetics class at the facility this summer.

The University of Michigan Medical School is building the new $220-million, 472,000-gsf Biomedical  Science Research Building  on its Ann Arbor campus. Containing 240 lab modules, each accommodating up to four researchers, the facility is designed to promote group interaction. Project features include an animal research facility, two levels below grade, and a 300-seat auditorium.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK) of St. Louis contracts to oversee initial projects of the Ames Modernization Program, a five-year, $430-million upgrade of the USDA animal disease research facilities on a 480-acre site in Ames, Iowa. The program will rebuild and centralize multiple laboratory and research centers, creating state-of-the-art laboratory and office environments in a campus designed for optimum functionality, flexibility, security, and future expansion.

Camden County College is building a 320,000-sf technology center and 200,000-sf, six-story parking garage. The $20-million facility will house 37,000-sf of classrooms, a technology center, laboratories, and 13,500-sf of retail including a bookstore.

Fairfax-based Lorton Arts Foundation has submitted a proposal to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to redevelop the 41.4-acre former Lorton prison site as a community arts, education and cultural center. Centerbrook Architects of Centerbrook, Conn., designed the proposed Lorton Workhouse Arts Center, which would include galleries, event space, offices, artist studios, theatrical and production areas, heritage exhibits, and an outdoor music shed.