Industry News
Colorado Laser Research Facility, $200M Nevada Water Reuse Project and More
Researchers at ATLAS lab at Colorado State University hope to create abundant, affordable and clean energy through laser-driven nuclear fusion.
“ATLAS will serve as a critical test bed, bringing together academia, industry and government to accelerate innovation, strengthen energy security and ensure our competitiveness on a global stage.”
—Cassandra Moseley, Vice President for Research, Colorado State University
McCarthy Building Cos. recently hosted a topping-out ceremony for Colorado State University’s new Advanced Technology Lasers for Applications and Science (ATLAS) Facility, marking completion of the structural frame on the two-story, 77,626-sq-ft research building at the CSU Foothills Campus in Fort Collins, Colo. The milestone caps a complex structural phase involving 590 tons of steel installed across five sequences. This phase followed an extensive foundation and concrete effort that included 7,355 cu yd of concrete, delivered to the site by 736 concrete trucks.
ATLAS will house a laser system considered one of the most powerful in the world. It will also support research into fusion energy, medicine and fundamental science. The project is part of a $160-million public-private partnership between CSU and Marvel Fusion, with additional support from the Dept. of Energy and other sources. Constructed by McCarthy, the laser research facility was developed by Tetrad Real Estate and designed by SWBR. Substantial completion of the project is scheduled for December, and an official opening is expected in 2027.
Demolition Makes Way For Cherry Creek West
The Mortenson | Saunders joint venture has begun demolishing buildings to make way for a 13-acre mixed-use redevelopment project in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood. The JV team is serving as construction manager and general contractor for developer East West Partners. Spanning four city blocks, Phase 1 will deliver around 400 residences, 200,000 sq ft of office space and 50,000 sq ft of retail. When complete, the project will include 840 residences, 600,000 sq ft of office space, 100,000 sq ft of retail and 2,000 underground parking spaces. Demolition is anticipated to complete by end of summer, while road and utilities work, above-ground construction and creek improvements will continue until late 2027. The first building on the site will be completed in summer 2029.
Carollo to Lead $200M Nevada Water Reuse Facility
A $200-million Advanced Purified Water Facility north of Reno, Nev., will provide a local, drought-resistant water source while reducing reclaimed water discharge into Swan Lake by up to 2 million gallons per day, according to an announcement from Carollo Engineers, the project's construction manager. The team also will upgrade the Reno-Stead Water Reclamation Facility and build an export pump station, conveyance pipelines, finished water storage tanks as well as injection, monitoring and extraction wells. A potable water pipeline will include a future connection to the Truckee Meadows Water Authority water system. Construction is expected to break ground this summer and continue through November 2028.
