Improvements Scheduled for Engineering Research Center

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Engineering Research Center, located at the Arkansas Research and Technology Park, is getting a $2.5 million renovation over the next 18 months. The College of Engineering will pay for the project over the next four years with research incentive funds.

Shannon Davis, assistant dean for research in the College of Engineering, explained that while many of the labs in the building are in good shape, some general building issues need to be addressed. “Our goal is to improve the safety, security and appearance of the building,” Davis said.

Twenty percent of the funds designated for the renovation will be used to reallocate lab and office space to make room for three new faculty labs. The rest will be used to improve the electrical systems in the building, add more safety features and increase security.

As part of the renovation, the emergency lighting and emergency exit systems will be upgraded and at least one hallway will be altered to prevent potential evacuation problems. Emergency back-up power will be provided for critical labs requiring uninterrupted power, and electrical bus ducts will be installed throughout the building to provide more places where high-powered equipment can be connected. In order to increase the security of the building, the College of Engineering plans to install security cameras and replace conventional door locks with card readers.

In addition, several parts of the building will be getting a facelift. The façade on the north end will be redesigned and the hallways will get new ceilings and better lighting. Several restrooms in the building will also be updated, increasing the number of usable restrooms in the building.

“These improvements will make the Engineering Research Center more functional and welcoming to visitors and researchers,” says Davis. “We appreciate the support of the campus as we go through this exciting process.”