World's largest freestanding Alzheimer's research facility opens

The $25 million, 108,000-sf Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr. Alzheimer's Center & Research Institute in Tampa, Fla., became the largest freestanding facility of its kind when it opened in September. Designed by HDR Architecture, Omaha, Neb., the seven-story glass and stucco facility is located on a 2.6-acre site on the campus of the University of South Florida. The facility houses eight scientific teams, a clinic, an imaging center, space for community events, offices, a vivarium, clinical evaluation areas, and research labs.

A distinctive feature of the building is a dramatic four-story “cube” created with semi-transparent glass and illuminated at night to create a dramatic architectural statement as well as expose a Rob & Tally Fischer sculpture inside.