Industry News

Lorain County Community College broke ground on the Richard Desich SMART Commercialization Center for Microsystems in September of 2011. Located in Elyria, Ohio, the facility will support MEMS (micro electrical mechanical systems) industry partnerships for the development of advanced sensor technologies. The project will house cleanrooms, laboratories, testing suites, and packaging space. Occupancy is expected in spring of 2013.

Eastern Michigan University reopened the 237,108-sf Pray-Harold classroom building in September of 2011 in Ypsilanti. A $42 million renovation of the facility provides completely updated auditoriums, classrooms, study areas, and interaction space. The electrical and mechanical infrastructure has also been replaced. The facility features a green wall with indigenous plants to provide cooling. The project architect was SHW Group of Detroit.

SUNY Fredonia broke ground on its $60 million Science Center in September of 2011. The 92,000-sf building will house the departments of biology and chemistry/biochemistry, as well as programs in environmental science and education. The facility will feature flexible and informal teaching spaces as well as faculty offices, labs, and classrooms. Occupancy is expected in 2014.

SAIT Polytechnic is building the $400 million Trades and Technology Complex in Calgary, Alberta. The three-building, 740,000-sf project will house advanced equipment and is expected to open in September of 2012.

Brown University completed the Cognitive, Linguistics, and Psychological Sciences Building in September of 2011. The facility was created by a $42 million renovation of the existing Metcalf Chemistry and Research Laboratory. Ground was broken on the project in June of 2010. The facility features modern laboratories, classrooms, faculty offices, an auditorium, and a teaching studio. The building will open for classes in early 2012.