Intermountain Contractor’s Top Projects of 2009 in Utah and Idaho

31 Life Sciences Research Center (USTAR) $54 M

Owner: State of Utah DFCM; Utah State University
GC: Gramoll Construction
Architect: ajc architects
Civil: Stantec Consulting
Electrical: Envision Engineers & Assoc.
Mechanical: Van Boerum and Frank Assoc., Inc.
Structural: Reaveley Engineers
Key Subs: Western Star Construction, Edge Excavation, Sure Steel, Inc., J & S Mechanical Contractors, Cache Valley Electric

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This USTAR building is a new 110,000-sq-ft laboratory research building located on the Innovation Campus of Utah State University in Logan, Utah that is aiming for LEED Gold certification. The 3-story steel structure is designed to limit vibrations; in some areas less than 500 micro-inches per second. The building will house a human nutrition area with kitchen and dining areas. One building wing houses research laboratories and another building wing houses a 13,000-sq-ft Vivarium and 5,000 sq ft of BSL3 (Bio Safety Lab – Level 3) enhanced suites, where research with select agents will be conducted.

The BSL3 suite is designed as an isolated zone from the Vivarium and the rest of the building. This area is intended to function as a ‘box within a box’ and will have strictly controlled access, individual room monitoring and special security measures. The building has a number of safety features including redundant mechanical systems and backup power. Exterior perforated metal panels provide a transparent skin for parts of the building. The building will have a commanding presence in the community and provide a significant addition to the University’s research capabilities.

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