UCSD to build big science center

UC San Diego is pushing ahead with long-delayed plans to build a 126,000 square-foot biology and chemistry building that will enable the campus to enrich and expand two of its most highly ranked programs, school officials say.

The $111.6 million building will be located immediately north of Urey Hall, one of the university’s first major structures. Campus funds will be used to cover part of the cost of construction. The university is still working out the rest of the money.

Campus officials said that architects will begin designing the building in 2015, and construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in June 2016. If things stay on schedule, the building will be completed in September 2018, providing badly needed space for research and teaching. The center will have six floors above ground, and one below. It will become part of UC San Diego natural and life sciences complex.

The university first proposed the building about 10 years ago. But the plan was slowed by the recession. The campus recently began to secure money from various areas to formally begin designing the building.