Renovation of a mixed-use development in Austin, Texas. Working plans call for the renovation of a library; and laboratory facility.

The proposed project entails renovation of the existing Life Science Building constructed in 1970 and the construction of a multi-story state of-the-art addition to the building. One of the most heavily used buildings on campus, the Life Science Building is occupied by the College of Science and includes the Departments of Biology, Psychology, and Bioengineering, and the Animal Research Facility. The new construction addition will include flexible, high-tech interactive classrooms, teaching labs, as well as wet and dry research labs, all of which will have a positive impact on student success and increase the value of research and teaching. Approximately 18,065 gross square feet will be left as research shell space. The renovations in the existing building will address replacement of infrastructure including life safety systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and electrical upgrades. The building exterior façade will be replaced to resemble the new additions in stone, metal panel, and glass, and the project will address approximately $23,000,000 in deferred maintenance, including asbestos abatement. The proposed increase in the total project cost results from the change from repair of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to replacement of the systems, updated laboratory safety code requirements including increased electrical panel and circuit sizes, larger electrical rooms, running additional gas lines and more rigorous HVAC systems. Additionally, a new building generator is required for capacity to support renovated teaching labs and new research labs. This project is included in the city’s 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Program. As of December 7, 2023, construction is slated to begin January 3, 2024 with achieve final completion of December 2, 2027. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.