Groundbreaking Planned for AU Transportation Technology Center

Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby and his wife Dr. Annette Shelby recently joined a crowd of more than 150 Auburn University administrators, faculty, staff, students and friends to break ground for Phase I of the $108 million Transportation Technology Center at Auburn University.

"This project will change Auburn for the good and the greater. It folds architecture into the landscape in a way that recognizes and anticipates the pedestrian nature of Auburn. That doesn't happen by mistake . . . it takes vision from the administration, faculty, alumni and students, and sometimes help from outside.  We are blessed and fortunate that we have a man who will work for Alabama and Auburn University - Sen. Shelby." -Charles McCrary, president and CEO Alabama Power and member of the Auburn University Board of Trustees

Slated for completion in November 2007, the $54 million Phase I will house state-of-the-art research laboratories, classrooms, lecture halls, and administrative and faculty offices for the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, and the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, as well as student services and engineering administration. A second phase will house the Department of Mechanical Engineering in addition to general and specialized laboratories expected to support and grow a wide range of innovative technologies - including those that meet the needs of Alabama's growing transportation sector.

"This is going to change the face of Auburn University both physically, because the building will be truly magnificent, but also functionally, because it will greatly impact one aspect of our mission - research," said Ed Richardson, Auburn University interim president.  "I expect that engineering will be a key college, if not the key college, that will drive development within the new research park."

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and chairman of the Transportation Subcommittee, Sen. Shelby has made highway safety a priority, working to ensure that the nation's system of roadways receives appropriate levels of funding to maintain and enhance safe traveling conditions. Thanks to his efforts, $65 million in federal funds have been secured for Phases I and II of the center.

"We are extremely indebted to Sen. Shelby for the pivotal role he has played in securing funding for both phases of this project," said Larry Benefield, dean of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.  "I've heard him say, 'Don't dream small dreams, think big.'  The $65 million that he has secured for this engineering complex will change the face of the Auburn campus and what Auburn engineering community can do for our students and the state."

While still evoking the traditional architecture of the Auburn campus, the design of the Transportation Technology Center provides for the programmatic functions of a 21st century research and teaching facility. Phase I of the project includes a central pavilion flanked by two L-shaped wings. Phase II adds a building to the end of each wing. Arched passageways line the ground floors, leading to open-air courtyards with stairs descending into a spacious green - a welcoming gathering place for students, faculty and alumni.

"Ambitious vision requires ambitious action," said Jeff Stone, president and COO of Brasfield & Gorrie and chairman of the Auburn Alumni Engineering Council. "The construction of TTC is such an action and is critical if we are to remain competitive and move to the next level in engineering education.  It will provide much needed relief in classroom, laboratory, research and administrative space, and will recognize our leadership in fields such as technology and transportation. It will also enhance research and economic development, which provides a valuable payback to the university and community at large."

Auburn University selected HOK as the architect-of-record for Phase I of the Transportation Technology Center. Hoar Construction is overseeing project construction of the initial building phase on the nine-acre site.

Work to date has included demolition of Noble Hall and installation of underground storage tanks to address longstanding drainage issues in the area.  When completed the complex of buildings will fill the space between theLowder Business Building and the Textile Engineering Building along Magnolia, back to the Pharmacy Building to the North.

"As students we've been hearing from the dean and the faculty about the vision of the College of Engineering and have seen the efforts they are making to move this vision forward," said Caesar Garcia, a mechanical engineering senior who serves as chair of the Cupola Engineering Society student leadership group. "The desire to be better encompasses what Auburn Engineering is all about and this building is testament to the progress that has and is taking place."