The University of Nebraska Board of Regents Saturday approved HDR Architecture,
Inc. of Omaha as the firm that will provide architectural and engineering
services for the Research Centers of Excellence to be constructed on the
west end of the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus on the present
site of the University Geriatric Center.
HDR will now begin a six-month programming process that is required
before the actual design phase of the building takes place. During this
six-month period, HDR officials will meet with UNMC researchers and determine
their laboratory needs, said Don Leuenberger, vice chancellor for business
and finance. In addition, Leuenberger said HDR will glean other critical
information for the project such as site compatibility and the mechanical
infrastructure and support system required for the building.
The fee for the pre-design services, which includes development of a
program statement, is $500,000. The contract includes an option for HDR
to provide design and construction administration services for the building
project after completion of the pre-design services. UNMC has the authority
to exercise this option, pending approval of the program statement.
“Our major thrust is to advance our education and research programs,”
said Harold M. Maurer, M.D., UNMC chancellor. “UNMC is poised to take the
next step to become a world-class medical center, but we can’t take this
step with our existing facilities. It’s imperative that we have more research
and education space if we are going to raise the bar in these areas.”
UNMC had 200 funded researchers in 1998. By 2003, the number of researchers
is expected to climb to 344. With 250,000 square feet, the Research Centers
of Excellence will provide much needed space for these investigators. Research
in the building will focus primarily on two areas B stem cell and disorders
of the brain and nervous system. The building also would have some teaching
space, including a large lecture hall and about 24 small group discussion
rooms.
The University Geriatric Center is a low, sprawling structure that occupies
a large area in a prime location, which is capable of supporting a multi-story
structure with three times the present square footage, Leuenberger said.
In addition, a study of the building has determined that an estimated $7
million to $9 million would be required to replace or repair deteriorating
electrical, mechanical and exterior components of the UGC building, which
is located on 45th Street between Emile Street and Dewey Avenue.
Leuenberger said the Research Centers of Excellence project is a lengthy
one with final completion of the building expected in 2003. It is hoped
that demolition of the UGC building will begin in October 2000. Construction
of the new building would begin in 2001. Total cost of the project is $73
million.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education, outreach and patient care,
UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for
cancer research and treatment and solid organ transplantation. More than
$34 million in research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists
annually. In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for
training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other
institution.