KU News Release

LAWRENCE — A unique coalition involving higher education and local and state government will gather Monday, Oct. 5, to break ground for a historic economic development project in Lawrence: the Bioscience & Technology Business Center at the University of Kansas.

An 11 a.m. ceremony near the Multidisciplinary Research Building on west campus will mark the official start of construction for the $7.25 million project. When completed in 2010, the 20,000-square-foot facility will house startup companies based on KU research, other emerging technology businesses and collaborations involving KU researchers and large technology firms.

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Confirmed speakers at the ceremony include KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little; Lawrence Mayor Robert Chestnut; Tom Thornton, president and CEO of the Kansas Bioscience Authority; and Cory Berkland, KU associate professor of chemical and petroleum engineering. LaVerne Epp, president and chairman of the Lawrence-Douglas County Biosciences Authority Board of Directors, will preside.

“This project is a partnership that marks the beginning of a strong new business relationship between KU and the community,” said Epp, whose organization will own the facility. “We have a shared goal: diversify and grow the local economy. A good way to do that is to draw on KU’s research strengths in the biosciences and other technologies. Our theme, moving forward, is ‘Transforming Ideas Into Commerce.’ ”

Financial partners include Kansas Bioscience Authority, the City of Lawrence, Lawrence-Douglas County Biosciences Authority, Douglas County, KU and KU Endowment, with additional support from the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.

The business center is strategically located across Becker Drive from several major research buildings, as well as the School of Pharmacy building now under construction. The center can be doubled in size as demand increases.

The facility offers more than just laboratory and office space, notes Epp. It will be managed by the Lawrence Regional Technology Center and will provide multiple tenants with business development services and access to capital.

Gould Evans Associates of Lawrence is architect for the project, and Landplan Engineering of Lawrence is the civil engineer. Mechanical and electrical engineering is provided by Hoss & Brown Engineers of Lawrence. The contractor is McCownGordon Construction of Kansas City, Mo.

The groundbreaking ceremony is open to the public and will be followed by a reception at the nearby Structural Biology Center. In the event of severe weather, the ceremony will shift to the Structural Biology Center. Free parking is available during the event in the adjacent KU Park and Ride lot, accessible from Becker Drive or Clinton Parkway west of Iowa Street.