Higher Education

Boston University opened the $305 million Center for Computing & Data Sciences in December of 2022. KPMB Architects designed the iconic facility, which provides learning labs, classrooms, research venues, meeting spaces, administrative offices, and a business incubator. Located on the Charles River Campus, the 19-story structure comprises a four-story podium topped by 13 floors, with MEP systems located on additional basement and penthouse levels.

The University of New England broke ground in late November of 2022 on the $93 million Harold and Bibby Alfond Center for Health Sciences in Portland, Maine. Collocating the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Institute for Inter-Professional Education, the 109,000-sf structure will address a state-wide shortage of physicians while accommodating allied health programs in nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, physician assistance, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and social work.

The University of Virginia is building the $67.1 million Contemplative Commons in Charlottesville. Integrating academic, research, and social functions, the 57,000-sf facility will feature flexible learning studios that can be configured for group instruction, quiet reflection, physical activity, or informal interaction. During the day, the three-story structure will accommodate classes for the entire university community, while acting as an event venue and gathering hub on evenings and weekends.

George Mason University’s new Horizon Hall is being called a “game changer” as it anchors the Core Campus Project, which facilitates multidisciplinary education, active student learning, and technological innovation with ample flexibility to accommodate evolving teaching modalities. In addition to this new construction, the project includes theater renovations; the addition of green spaces, such as a meditation garden and amphitheater; expansion of a central outdoor space; the demolition of two older buildings; and extensive upgrades to the utility infrastructure. 

Brandeis University is planning a $145 million expansion of its existing science complex in Waltham, Mass. Designed by Payette, the 100,000-sf project will include the construction of a five-story building that will adjoin the atrium of the Sharpiro Science Center. The vibrant and welcoming structure will provide flexible research labs, core facilities, state-of-the-art classrooms, and maker spaces to support growing programs in applied sciences and engineering. 

The University of Memphis is constructing the $41 million STEM Research and Classroom Building to provide leading-edge environments for programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Designed by SmithGroup and A2H, the two-story, 65,000-sf facility will feature labs for advanced manufacturing, biomaterials, cybersecurity, data science, and earthquake engineering.

Time and money restrictions are prompting some universities to ditch plans for new construction in favor of renovation or expansion to accommodate their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. Opting to renovate requires stakeholders to evaluate the existing building for the ability to accommodate the equipment and infrastructure needed to provide the best user experiences in the most versatile spaces, the highest level of productivity, and ample flexibility for future programs.

The College of William & Mary is expanding the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) with the construction of a $74 million research building in Gloucester Point. Chesapeake Bay Hall will provide a new home for the Institute's four academic departments: Aquatic Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Fisheries Science, and Physical Sciences. The three-story, 64,000-sf structure will feature sophisticated wet and dry labs, an interactive teaching lab, collaboration spaces, conference rooms, and faculty offices.

Cornell University broke ground in October of 2022 on a $100 million facility for the Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science in Ithaca, N.Y. Designed by Leers Weinzapfel Associates, the four-story, 133,000-sf structure will collocate the departments of computer science, information science, and statistics and data science in a single unified complex.

Vermeulens has released its market outlook report for the third quarter of 2022. Key points include:

The University of Utah broke ground in October of 2022 on the $185 million Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine in Salt Lake City. Designed by VCBO and Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign, the 185,000-sf facility will feature flexible learning studios that can be subdivided to accommodate a variety of class sizes. With integrated technologies to support hybrid and remote instruction, the highly collaborative structure will include a state-of-the-art simulation center and a modern gross anatomy lab.

The University of Michigan broke ground in October of 2022 on the $145 million Leinweber Computer Science and Information Building in Ann Arbor. Designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners, the 164,000-gsf facility will collocate the School of Information and the College of Engineering’s Computer Science and Engineering Division. The technology-rich complex will feature research labs and reconfigurable classrooms for programs in artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-computer interaction, and information privacy and security.

Trinity University opened Dicke Hall in September of 2022 in San Antonio. Designed by Lake Flato, the 40,000-sf facility provides next-generation learning environments for the Department of English, the Department of Religion, and the Humanities Collective. Putting a modern spin on how these timeless academic disciplines are explored, the three-story building serves as a gathering place for students and faculty to exchange ideas, offering numerous collaboration spaces, a screening room, a large lecture hall, and a variety of flexible classrooms.

Indiana University broke ground in October of 2022 on the $230 million Medical Education Building in Indianapolis. Designed by Perkins&Will and Browning Day, the 326,000-gsf complex will provide the School of Medicine with state-of-the-art environments for teaching and research. Featuring a spacious atrium, the first three floors of the 11-story building will house classrooms, lecture halls, and a café. Specialized rooms for learning communities will encourage small groups to interact and collaborate.

The University of Missouri (MU) has undertaken a major space reduction and relocation project on its main Columbia campus, with a goal of eliminating 1 million gsf by 2024—250,000 gsf more than originally planned. A shortage of maintenance funding prompted the project, as the school faced an $881 million backlog in deferred maintenance and building needs for the affected properties. Over the past 10-15 years, the state has experienced financial challenges resulting in stagnant or reduced maintenance funding, and tuition-generated funding cannot make up the difference needed for proper building maintenance. The Strategic Space Reduction and Relocation Plan will reduce the university’s current deferred maintenance and capital needs backlog by over $200 million and save approximately $9 million in annual operations costs if the stated goals are met. By the end of 2022, MU will have eliminated 623,917 gsf through demolition and divesting of properties.