Salina-based Jones Gillam Renz Architects Inc. has been selected to design the new Kansas State University Bulk Solids Innovation Center in Salina. Construction is expected to start in 2014 and be completed in 2016.

The Kansas State University Bulk Solids Innovation Center will be a 12,768-sq-ft facility with offices and research suites for permanent and visiting researchers, companies, and other users. The building will include open and enclosed lab areas to allow for collaborative and proprietary research projects by the building’s tenants. The open area will also allow for the more exploratory and open access research conducted by university investigators and students.

The university will be the key tenant in the center, and two Salina companies -- Coperion K-Tron and Vortex Valves -- will be initial anchor tenants. Primary partners are Kansas State University, the Salina Chamber of Commerce, Salina Economic Development Corp., and several private companies.

"We are excited with the selection of Jones Gillam and Renz for this project," said Dennis Lauver, president and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce. "Their expertise, design, and versatility will be a great benefit to this project. This center will be only the fourth such university-level research center in the world, and the only one in North America. We look forward to welcoming companies that need research so they can be more efficient and productive in their operations."

Jones Gillam Renz has completed many projects in the Salina community. Its approach is to work closely with the client to formulate, develop, explore, analyze, and critique each detail of the design and building process. The firm also uses the latest technology and tools, such as computer modeling, design, and drafting.

"We are honored to have been selected for this project and feel our team concept will ensure quality service and design, prudent control of costs, and the versatility and expertise of the entire staff," said Jeff Gillam, president and project manager for architecture and design.

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