Industry News

Oregon State University is planning a $50 million expansion of the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. Designed by Yost Grube Hall as a model of safe construction in a tsunami inundation zone, the 72,000-sf facility will feature vertical evacuation ramps rising from ground level to the top of the structure. The project will include a three-story teaching and research building adjoining a two-story wing housing an auditorium, an innovation lab, and community space. Construction is expected to begin in spring of 2018 with occupancy in fall of 2019.

The Department of Energy is planning research infrastructure upgrades to multiple user facilities. The U.S. House of Representatives passed three bills in November of 2017 to provide funding for these projects. 

The Research Infrastructure Act directs and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to:

Columbia College broke ground in November of 2017 on a $50 million student center in Chicago. Designed by Gensler, the five-story, 114,000-sf project will have transparent atrium spaces located on the perimeter of the building to enhance the visibility of student activities. Providing both structured and informal interaction and learning facilities, the five-story hub will feature analog and digital makerspaces, study lofts, dance studios, a fitness center, dining areas, and an 800-person event space. Completion is expected in early 2019. 

The University of South Australia is constructing the AUD$247 million Health Innovation Building in Adelaide. Located in the Biomed City development, the 310,000-gsf facility will house the Centre for Cancer Biology, the Museum of Discovery, the Innovation and Collaboration Centre, health teaching clinics, a vivarium, and an atrium. Construction began on the 14-story project in 2015 and occupancy is expected in mid-2018.

Vermeulens has released its market outlook report for the third quarter of 2017. Key points include: