Industry News

East Tennessee State University is initiating a renovation of its basic science and clinical research facilities in Johnson City. Supported by $9.1 million in federal stimulus funding, the project will renovate laboratories in the 105,000-sf Building 119. Infrastructure upgrades will replace outdated mechanical and electrical systems and specialized laboratories will be constructed for microscopy, tissue culture, and animal research.

Kaiser Permanente broke ground on the 436,000-sf San Leandro Medical Center on July 12, 2010. Replacing Kaiser’s existing Hayward facility, the six-story acute care hospital will provide 264 beds, 10 operating rooms, an emergency department, a neonatal ICU, and outpatient care. Completion is expected in 2013.

The Forsyth Institute will renovate 8,935 sf adjacent to its new Kendall Square facility in Boston to create the Center for Discovery at the Host-Biofilm Interface (CHBI). Supported by $3 million in federal stimulus funding, the interdisciplinary project will house oral health research programs in areas including microbiology, molecular genetics, microbial informatics, and immunology.

General Motors broke ground on a $250 million research facility in Shanghai in July of 2010. The 65,000 sm GM China Advanced Technical Center in Pudong New Area will house nine research labs and 62 test labs for the development of advanced propulsion systems, battery cells, lightweight materials, petroleum alternatives, and electrification technologies. Construction is expected to reach completion by year-end 2011.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded Hoar Construction a $26.2 million contract to renovate the Jamie Whitten Delta States Research Center in Stoneville, Miss. The funding was made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The research center’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems will be upgraded. The Jamie Whitten Delta States Research Center houses agricultural research laboratories.