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Regents approve projects

December 11, 2001

The UW System Board of Regents has granted UW–Madison authority to begin construction on several campus building projects, including the first phase of the BioStar Initiative.

Construction on the addition to the Biotechnology Building, 1402 University Ave., is expected to begin in fall 2002. The project will require the demolition of the ROTC building this summer. Construction is targeted for completion by spring 2004, at an estimated cost of $27 million ($18 million general fund supported borrowing and $9 million gifts and grants).

The addition will house the Genome Center and the Laboratory of Genetics, which are currently located in the 40-year-old Genetics Building.

The Biotechnology Building addition is the first of four projects included in the BioStar Initiative, a plan for maintaining UW–Madison’s status as a world leader in biotechnology research. Other projects contained in the 10-year building program include a new Microbial Sciences building, an addition and renovation to the Biochemistry building, and a new Interdisciplinary Sciences building.

Other projects gaining construction authorization at the Dec. 7 Board of Regents meeting include:

  • Chamberlin Hall renovation project. Regents approved construction of the project at a revised cost of $21,050,000 ($20,895,000 GFSB and $155,000 gift funds). The project should go to bid in May with completion anticipated in spring 2004.
  • Marshfield Integrated Dairy, phase one. The dairy will house a new research facility for rearing dairy replacement heifers. The site is located about six miles north of Marshfield. Construction should begin in spring 2003 and be completed by the following fall. Cost is estimated at $1.8 million ($900,000 GFSB and $900,000 gifts and grants).
  • Medical Science Center Cardiology Lab renovation. A remodeling project to be used by researchers in the cardiology department. Construction should begin in spring 2002 and be completed early 2003. Cost is estimated at $633,500, using gift funds.

The projects still require final approval from the State Building Commission before they may move forward.