Industry News

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.

Eckerd Drug is expanding its distribution operations with a move into a 415,000-sf facility in the Fairless Hills' Penn Warner Industrial Park. The building houses 14,000-sf of office space. Substantial renovations to the single-story building will be completed by owner Equity Industrial Partners prior to Eckerd's occupation of the building in the fourth quarter of 2002. Eckerd will maintain its 450,000-sf of leased space between the Bucks County Industrial Park in Langhorne and Morrisville.

The U.S. Navy has completed a $2.7-million cleanroom used to repair and refurbish hydraulic components for reuse in naval aircraft. The 8,500-sf facility was designed by Architects Larson/Carpenter of San Diego and built by construction company Soltek Pacific, also of San Diego.

Toyota Industries Corp. and automotive parts-maker Denso plan to build a 152-acre manufacturing plant near Pendergrass, Ga., comprised of between 200,000- to 400-000 sf. The facility will initially employ 150 workers when it opens in 2005. Toyota Industries Corp. is a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp.  

California State University at San Marcos has selected architectural firm Robbins Jorgensen Christopher of San Diego as master plan architects for its 304-acre campus, including $140-million in capital projects currently in design or construction. The $7.4-million, 35,000-sf Clarke Field House, now under construction, will house student meeting space, athletic facilities, and a small convenience store.