A new 82,000-square-foot building on the Foothills Laboratory campus in northeast Boulder opened in FY 2006 to house state-of-the-art chemistry labs, enhancing NCAR's research into air pollution, ozone loss, the impact of airborne chemicals and particles on climate change, and other aspects of atmospheric chemistry.
Built in the early 1960's, the Mesa Laboratory was designed by well-known architect I.M. Pei. The building includes research facilities, common areas, and courtyards that blend with, and open onto, the magnificent environmental setting. The final phase of refurbishment will begin January 2007.
Priority 4: Maintaining an Innovative and Creative Workplace
New, State-of-the-Art Chemistry Building and Mesa Lab Refurbishment
Background
NCAR is committed to providing world-class laboratory facilities and technical infrastructure to attract and retain excellent staff, maintain productivity, and provide support for the scientific community. We recently added a new building to the research complex and are in the process of refurbishing the Mesa Lab, with support from NSF.
Progress
A new $13 million, 82,000-square-foot building on the Foothills Laboratory campus in northeast Boulder opened in FY 2006 after more than a year of construction. The building, which houses state-of-the-art chemistry labs, enhances NCAR's research into air pollution, ozone loss, the impact of airborne chemicals and particles on climate change, and other aspects of atmospheric chemistry.
The four-story building can accommodate 140 people spread among 14 labs that specialize in different aspects of atmospheric chemistry. In addition to labs and offices, the building contains a large atrium, conference space, and a phytotron, or research greenhouse.
The Atmospheric Chemistry Division was formerly housed in NCAR's Mesa Laboratory, the landmark building at the west end of Table Mesa Drive in southwest Boulder. Built in the early 1960s, the Mesa Lab cannot accommodate modern laboratory technology as easily as the new building.
Plans
As part of our efforts in improving our workplace, the final phase of the refurbishment of the Mesa Lab will begin in FY 2007. A relocation plan for impacted staff is currently being developed and will be completed in late November 2006. Renovations are expected to start January 2007 on Tower B utilities and floor 2B. Floors 1B, 1, and 2 will follow for the final phase. Each phase will last about four months. Renovations will consist primarily of mechanical work, with a small amount of electrical work and the control system work for the HVAC systems.