Va Tech To Build NoVa Research Site
Virginia Tech announced that the Virginia Tech Foundation will build a major research center in the Ballston area of Arlington, with planned occupancy by late 2010.
Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger made the announcement, explaining that the highly visible, state-of-the-art facility would further the university’s mission to expand its research portfolio in a region that offers great opportunity for partnerships with corporate research entities and close proximity to government agencies and other public and private-sector organizations.
The seven-floor, 144,000-square-foot building will be located on the 800-900 block of North Glebe Road. That portion of the building not occupied by Virginia Tech will be available for commercial lease. The interior, designed by Gensler, will include computational laboratories, offices, and conference space to accommodate executive programs, training programs, and workshops.
“This new research center plays a significant role in our continuing efforts to establish a major presence in the region for Virginia Tech,” said Steger. “While a broad range of research programs will be housed in the facility, our primary focus is on technology, particularly computational technologies and network systems.”
Virginia Tech is committed to helping expand research and development throughout the National Capital Region. Earlier this month, Steger said, he and other area university presidents participated in a forum with many local thought leaders and announced the formation of the Chesapeake Crescent Innovation Alliance, a partnership between education, government, businesses, and investors to boost the region’s economic vitality.
“We have committed our universities to using the intellectual capital of the region’s institutions of higher education for business formation. We want to link people with ideas to those with money and know-how to form, incubate, and grow businesses,” said Steger. “For Virginia Tech, this new building is in the perfect location to nurture and grow partnerships like the Chesapeake Crescent Innovation Alliance.”
