Source: Dan Richardson, 913-541-1220, dcr@kstateoic.ksu.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/media/mediaguide/bios/drichardsonbio.html
Web site: http://www.kstateoic.ksu.edu

Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009

K-STATE OLATHE INNOVATION CAMPUS SELECTS DESIGN-BUILD TEAM FOR FIRST CAMPUS BUILDING: THE INSTITUTE FOR ANIMAL HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY

OLATHE -- Dan Richardson, chief executive officer of Kansas State University's K-State Olathe Innovation Campus, has announced the selection of the design-build team for construction of the first building on the campus.

The team from 360 Architecture/Weitz Company will build the approximately 100,000 square foot Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety.

The selection of 360/Weitz was made by the board of directors of the K-State Olathe Innovation Campus after careful evaluation of proposals by technical review and selection committees. More than 22 proposals were received for the project, with 360/Weitz and two other firms selected as finalists for the project. 360 Architecture has offices at 300 W. 22nd St., Kansas City, Mo., while Weitz Company has offices at 10901 W. 84th Terrace, Suite 200, Lenexa.

Richardson said that the Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety will include educational and lab spaces to support research, education and technology commercialization in animal health and food safety.

The $28 million project is scheduled to break ground this year, with completion by late 2010 or early 2011, Richardson said. The campus is part of the Johnson County Education and Research Triangle initiative and the building is financed by a portion of the one-eighth cent sales tax approved by Johnson County voters in November 2008.

Collaborative education and research programs at the K-State Olathe Innovation Campus are being developed through the joint efforts of K-State, regional colleges and universities, and private sector partners that include biosciences companies in the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor.

Richardson anticipates releasing more details about the project as they are finalized.