Media Alert: Physics and Nanotechnology Building Ceremonial Groundbreaking sets stage for new construction
Building was centerpiece of state's capital investment plan passed during the 2011 Legislative Special Session
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (10/10/11) – After years of planning, a new Physics and Nanotechnology Building at the University of Minnesota becomes a reality during an invitation-only ceremonial groundbreaking on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 4-6 p.m. at the future building site just east of Akerman Hall on the University's East Bank campus. The event program begins at 4:30 p.m.
More than 125 people, including government leaders, business partners, University administrators, faculty and students, are scheduled to attend. Those attending will see drawings of the exterior and interior of the building, get up close to the latest building model, and talk with faculty about their research.
The formal program will include short remarks from University President Eric W. Kaler, University of Minnesota Board of Regents Chair Linda Cohen, Minnesota Office of Higher Education Interim Director Susan Von Mosch, University Provost Tom Sullivan, and University College of Science and Engineering Dean Steven L. Crouch. Speakers and honored guests will then don hard hats and turn the soil with golden shovels for the ceremonial groundbreaking.
Construction will begin in November on the new $83 million Physics and Nanotechnology Building, which is expected to revitalize and expand two key science areas.
Highlights of the new building include 43,000 square feet of modern and highly flexible physics laboratories and laboratory support space and more than 15,000 square feet dedicated to nanotechnology research (including a 5,000-square- foot clean room). All together, the facility will contain about 40 new research laboratories.
More than 400 businesses and organizations currently use the University’s nanotechnology facilities. When built, this new state-of-the-art facility will make a significant impact in expanding research and advancing education of the next generation of high-tech workers in the state.
The University of Minnesota has been working with its architectural partners, Architectural Alliance in cooperation with Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects, LLP. During the planning process, the University of Minnesota also selected Mortenson Construction for construction of the future state-of-the-art physics and nanotechnology building.
Gov. Mark Dayton and the State Legislature approved $51.3 million for the building in July 2011 as part of the state’s capital investment plan during the 2011 Special Session. In addition to the $51.3 million, the University of Minnesota received $4 million in planning money for the Physics and Nanotechnology Building during the 2010 Legislative Session. The remainder of the funding for the project will be paid by the University and private donations.
The building is expected to be completed in fall 2013.