Industry News

Carnegie Mellon University plans to break ground in summer of 2012 on a $70 million facility for research in energy, nanotechnology, and biomedical science. The 80,000-sf project will accommodate programs in biomedical engineering and is expected to open in 2015. 

Bayer HealthCare opened its expanded research and development facility in Coon Rapids, Minn., in January of 2012. The 80,000-sf project houses manufacturing cleanrooms and R&D labs for the development of therapeutic treatment devices for vascular occlusions. 

Florida Atlantic University opened the $19.3 million Harbor Branch Research Laboratory II in January of 2012 in Fort Pierce, Fla. Designed by PGAL with RFD (Research Facilities Design) as laboratory design consultant, the 42,000-sf project features 18 advanced research labs totaling 16,500 nsf, as well as lab support, offices, and conference rooms. The project construction manager was Balfour Beatty. LEED Silver sustainable design certification will be sought for the facility. 

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center completed construction of a cleanroom facility for the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission in January of 2012 in Greenbelt, Md. The 4,200-sf lab will accommodate the assembly and integration of four MMS spacecraft. Created by renovating an existing warehouse, the smart cleanroom features advanced filtration system that provides an environment with less that 10,000 particles per cubic foot.

The University of North Carolina Coastal Studies Institute is building a $32.5 million campus in Manteo, N.C. Designed by Pearce Brinkley Cease + Lee, the 60,000-sf interdisciplinary research and education facility is sited on 213 acres and will include classrooms, teaching and research labs, and an auditorium. LEED sustainable design certification will be sought for the project, which will include an advanced wastewater treatment system, geothermal heating and cooling, and a passive solar design.