Academic & Research Center: Building update

January 9, 2009

The Academic & Research Center (ARC) will lend a rosy contrast to these gray winter months. A progress report by project manager Dick Planisek explains that as brickwork pauses for cold weather, the pink insulation board sheathing will add an eye-catching hue to West Green.

The ARC, designed by the architecture firm Burgess & Niple, will support integrated medical education and research by students and faculty from both the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Russ College of Engineering and Technology. Planisek said contractors expect to have most of the work completed by September, with the building ready for occupancy by the start of winter quarter, 2010.

As of late December, workers had protected the structure from the elements with the installation of all windows—including an atrium skylight—permanent and temporary doors and a weather-proof roof, Planisek reported. Contractors have installed temporary heat, allowing interior work to continue through the winter.

The framing is now complete on the first floor and has begun on the second. Workers also have installed plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems on the first floor. All work begins at the ground floor and moves up floor by floor, Planisek said. Meanwhile, the “mechanical penthouse,” as Planisek calls the industrial attic space, is filling with equipment and ductwork.

Ohio University originally planned to register the ARC for certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability. Although budgetary issues prevented such an attempt, Planisek said that aspects of the building’s design incorporate LEED standards for sustainable energy use.

The $30 million ARC project has received $20 million in combined support from the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, the university, and alumni and friends.

To see the ARC progress in action, check out the web-based camera, installed in the adjacent Life Sciences Building: http://132.235.227.115/.