The design-build project comprises four buildings on approximately 32 acres: a three-story, 250,000-sq-ft multipurpose building; a high-bay, 120,000-sq-ft advanced test facility; a one-story, 3,000-sq-ft visitor center; and a 2,500-sq-ft central utility plant.

Because of the project’s complexity and security, two design firms worked on the four buildings, each with its own schedule, team and scope. Despite the aggressive timeline for design, pricing, permitting and building, the project took approximately two years. It was delivered on time and within budget in October 2019. Students from the University of Arizona’s Construction Engineering Management program participated in the project, and 73% of craftworkers were local.

Design and construction teams used a variety of virtual tools, thus enabling everyone to collaborate on layout and design. Data vaults—onsite storage vaults—provided the team with real-time access to project documents.

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