Officials from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) announced they have selected the University of California’s Richmond Field Station as the site for its second campus and new research facility, translating into a win for the WRT-led team. Perceived as a national hub for scientific innovation in energy and genetic cancer research, the new 500,000 square foot facility is expected to create more than 800 new jobs and generate spin-off industries for the Bay Area economy, as well as millions of dollars in new tax revenue for the City of Richmond.
The selection process began more than a year ago when lab officials announced a consolidation of off-site research labs currently spread across the East Bay area. Six finalists were selected from a pool of 20 city and developer applicants, including top contender cities Alameda, Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville, and Albany. Key to the Richmond Field site's ultimate selection was its proximity to the laboratory's main campus, its unique, natural waterfront setting, and an abundance of space that can handle future expansion needs of the laboratory. In support of these key features, the WRT team's winning concept plan stressed a strong, organizing landscape framework, strong ties to the natural environment, and maximum flexibility in phasing and development of the laboratory’s research facilities.
With the laboratory’s selection of the Richmond Field site, WRT is positioned to continue its strong relationships with both the City of Richmond and the University of California school system as it continues its role as campus planner and landscape architect to LBNL. Over the course of the project, WRT—in conjunction with SKS Developers and SmithGroup Architects—will help to develop the design and implement the first phase of the Richmond Field site's development.
The new campus and research facility is expected to open in 2016.
