2012 Award of Merit

Higher Education/Research Category

James L. Sorenson Molecular Biotechnology Building,
 
A USTAR Innovation Center

Salt Lake City


The 208,000-sq-ft building opened in April 2012, ushering in a new era of interdisciplinary research at the University of Utah. Strategically located between the university’s engineering department and its medical school and hospital, the USTAR facility has been designed to encourage cooperation among researchers.

Photo courtesy of Layton Construction Co.
The USTAR facility has been designed to encourage cooperation among researchers.

A key feature of the building is the state-of-the-art nanofabrication and imaging facility, which includes 18,000 sq ft of cleanroom space, a biobay and a 5,300-sq-ft microscopy and materials characterization suite.
The facility plays an important role in shaping Utah's economy by creating jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators.

Key Players

Owner: University of Utah

Architect: Prescott Muir Architects, Salt Lake City

General Contractor: Layton Construction Co. Inc.

Civil & MEP Engineer: Van Boerum & Frank Associates, Salt Lake City

Structural Engineer: Reaveley Engineers, Salt Lake City

Entry submitted by Layton Construction Co. Inc.