Construction is underway for Virginia Tech's major research center in the Ballston area of Arlington, in the National Capital Region

Joining Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger recently on a visit to the site of the research center in Ballston are (left to right) Seong K Mun, professor of Physics and research fellow at the Virginia Tech Institute for Advanced Study; Steger; Jim Bohland, vice president and executive director, Virginia Tech National Capital Region Operations; John Dooley, vice president for Outreach and International Affairs; Ted Settle, director, Office of Economic Development; and Bob Walters, vice president for research.

The highly visible, state-of-the-art facility will further the university's mission to expand its research portfolio in a region that offers great opportunity for partnerships with corporate research entities and close proximity to government agencies and other public and private-sector organizations. The seven-floor, 144,000-square-foot building, located on the 800-900 block of North Glebe Road, will meet the Silver U.S. Green Building Council's LEED™ Building Rating Systems.

The building is part of a larger JBG Companies' development project in Ballston. The interior, designed by Gensler, will include computational laboratories, offices, and conference space to accommodate executive programs, training programs, and workshops.

Virginia Tech offers a wide range of graduate programs, workshops, and customized educational programs in the National Capital Region. A number of already established Virginia Tech research centers, located throughout the northern Virginia area, will move to the Ballston facility. The facility will have secure high performance information technology systems that address national security issues. Projected occupancy is January 2011.

Posted September 10, 2009