The University of Rhode Island begins construction of a $125 million engineering complex Monday.
The complex is URI’s biggest construction project. Voters approved the new building, and a bond to pay for it, in 2014.
College of Engineering Dean Raymond Wright says the complex will change how students conduct their research.
“Faculty and students will come together, not necessarily under a single program, but come together under what we’re calling research themes- so energy, or nanoscience, or water,” said Wright.
Wright says housing all the engineering programs in one complex also makes it easier for companies looking to hire.
“There have been a lot of industrial interests in the facilities. They came to support us when we had the bond campaign for the 2014, $125 million,” explained Wright.
Wright says engineering is a fast-growing major and the school has been hiring professors to meet that need.
The 190,000 square foot complex – expected to be completed in summer 2019- is the final piece.
