Research Park News

Rowan University Wins Approval for Technology Park Loan

A $5 million low-interest loan was approved in June to fund the South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University. The Delaware River and Bay Authority’s (DRBA) Board of Commissioners approved the loan, which will be owned by the DRBA and leased to the university until the loan is repaid, according to the Courier-Post. The Courier-Post article states Rowan has secured more than $12 million for the first phase of the project, including a $6 million grant from New Jersey’s Economic Development Authority. The park could open as soon as 2006.

Oregon State University Moving Ahead With Research Park Plans

Oregon State University will request proposals to develop a research park that would bring technology-oriented companies to the region and create spin-offs, according to a university press release. Rich Holdren, vice provost for research, said the university would like for the research park to have three anchor buildings that will include multiple clients, with a focus on technology. The park also would have separate lots to attract new businesses, which could build free-standing facilities to fit their needs. University officials hope to have the solicitation process completed by the year's end, with the first building in the research park to be completed by July 2006.

Wayne State University Opens First TechTown Building

TechTown, Wayne State University’s Research and Technology Park in Detroit, opened its first building, TechOne earlier this year. TechTown serves as an urban center for technological research and entrepreneurial activity and is part of the revitalization and development activity occurring in mid-town Detroit. General Motors donated the TechOne building, and a $12 million renovation was funded by public and private entities in partnership with TechTown.

Florida Gulf Coast University Plans for Biotech Research Park

Florida Gulf Coast University President William Merwin announced earlier this year plans to build a 20-acre biotechnology research park, contingent on land that the university is slated to receive from a Naples, Fla., developer. The developer has donated 80 acres of land to the university, and the deal should be completed this fall, according to The News-Press. University officials, the articles states, say the idea for the park came from the Scripps Research Institute’s decision to expand a satellite center in Palm Beach County.

Environmentally Friendly Developer Chosen for New Tech & Energy Park

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority recently selected a developer for its 280-acre Saratoga Technology & Energy Park in Malta, N.Y. Small clean-energy companies housed by the park must earn at least a basic certification form the U.S. Green Building Council. The Authority helps to develop new and more efficient energy technologies in the state.