10/18/05 Contact: Mitch Emmons, 334/844-5964 (emmonmb@auburn.edu)
David M. Granger, 334/844-9999 (grangdm@auburn.edu)

GROUNDBREAKING SET FOR AUBURN UNIVERSITY’S RESEARCH PARK

AUBURN – Alabama Gov. Bob Riley will visit Auburn University on Thursday, Nov. 17, to lead groundbreaking ceremonies for AU’s new research park.

Ceremonies are set for 10 a.m. 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.”

Auburn University is a preeminent land-grant and comprehensive research institution with more than 23,000 students and 6,500 faculty and staff. Ranked among the top 50 public universities nationally, Auburn is Alabama’s largest educational institution, offering more than 230 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs.

(Contributed by Mitch Emmons.)

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