Center for Molecular Medicine Fact Sheet
Background
The Center for Molecular Medicine represents the first new research facility to be built on the University of Nevada School of Medicine campus in nearly 30 years. Positioned just north of the current basic science research quadrangle, the Center for Molecular Medicine will house research programs in cancer biology, infectious disease, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease and neurosciences. The facility will also serve as the headquarters for the Whittemore Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease.
Architects: Dekker/Perich/Sabatini Design
General contractor: Clark & Sullivan
Cost: $79 million. Funded by the Nevada State Legislature, federal funds generated from research activities at UNR and private donations.
Design: Three floors arranged in two wings (east and west) will house laboratory research space, an auditorium, office space, a vivarium, and food service area.
Construction began: December 2008
Completion date: Fall 2010
Square footage: approximately 107,000 square feet
Special features: The Center for Molecular Medicine’s design is based on guidelines published by the American Institute of Architecture for biomedical laboratory construction and focuses on sharing technology, efficient use of research, and intellectual interaction. The center will be extremely energy efficient, separating research and administrative spaces in order to isolate heat-generating laboratory activities into areas with robust cooling capabilities. State-of-the-art safety and security measures are included in the design. The center will be an advanced technology resource for northern Nevada in attracting biotech industries while expanding the state’s scientific workforce that is needed for private sector investment.
