Alabama Gov. Bob Riley visited Auburn University on
Thursday, Nov. 17, to lead groundbreaking ceremonies for AU’s
new research park.
Ceremonies were held at the park site located south of
the main campus at the intersection of South College Street
and Shug Jordan Parkway.
Auburn’s Board of Trustees approved the 156-acre site
last October because of its lakes and meadow features and
other attributes that will make the Auburn Research Park
attractive as the southern gateway to campus. Development
is under the auspices of the Auburn Research and Technology
Foundation and will follow a pedestrian-oriented, village
concept.
The University Financing Foundation Inc. (TUFF) of Atlanta
is serving as a private development entity to construct
the first phase of the park. Initial construction plans
include a 70,000 square-foot building slated to be ready
for occupancy in late 2006. In early 2007, a second, 60,000
square-foot building should be ready. The park will house
office and laboratory space for companies that have a research
relationship with the university. It also will include a
business incubator to assist new companies formed to commercialize
Auburn research developments and technologies.
“Establishment of the Auburn Research Park supports
the state of Alabama’s efforts to move to a knowledge-based
economy,” said AU Vice President for Research Michael
Moriarty. “Our vision for this park is fourfold: to
support the mission of Auburn University and establish Auburn
as a widely recognized research force; to create new revenue
sources for the university; to broaden and strengthen the
research industry in east Alabama; and to produce an economic
development engine for the state and region.”
The project brings together the involvement and participation
of a number of stakeholders, including Auburn University,
the local communities served by the institution and this
new research park, the governor and state of Alabama. The
state is supporting the project with a $10 million bond
issue. The city of Auburn is investing $5 million for infrastructure
development, and the Lee County Commission has pledged services
in-kind to assist in relocating some research projects presently
on the property, to another location in north Auburn.
“We are extremely appreciative of Gov. Riley’s
support and for the support being provided by the City of
Auburn and Lee County,” Moriarty said. “In addition
to enhancing the university’s revenue and promoting
state and regional economic development, the Auburn Research
Park will become a significant factor in creating new academic,
research and entrepreneurial opportunities for Auburn faculty
and students.”
