Brasfield & Gorrie Announces Completion of New Auburn University Research Center

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Brasfield & Gorrie announced the completion of the Auburn University Center for Advanced Science, Innovation and Commerce, a new 84,000-square-foot building that will house five multidisciplinary research departments.

As construction manager of the project, Brasfield & Gorrie coordinated the work of seven prime contractors and managed the project’s $28.8-million budget. Funding for the research center was provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the state of Alabama, Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station and Auburn University.

The research center has conference and seminar rooms, administrative offices and 20 laboratories with specialized equipment, including a super computer and two five-ton cranes for biofuels research. Teams representing the disciplines of agriculture, engineering, science and mathematics, forestry and wildlife sciences, and architecture, design and construction are expected to collaborate on research initiatives that may enhance the development of new intellectual property and technologies at Auburn University.

“Researchers will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities in an environment that fosters shared learning and creates operational efficiencies,” said Brasfield & Gorrie Vice President and Division Manager Stephen Franklin. “The design, construction and use of the center will become a model for future university research facilities.”

Franklin said that the long-term societal impact of the research center will be significant. “The scientific outcomes generated at this research center will help improve our communities through advancements in food safety, sustainability, water quality and bio-energy technologies.”

The facility is expected to achieve the U.S. Green Building Council’s Gold certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for its energy efficiency, safety features and low environmental impact.