University of Rhode Island to get an undersea exploration center

Providence, R.I.-based Gilbane Building Co. has broken ground on a $15 million undersea exploration center and expansion and rehabilitation of the Pell Marine Science Library at the University of Rhode Island, Narragansett. The centerpiece of the 41,000-sf facility will be the Inner Space Center, which will use a satellite system and Internet2 to make it possible for URI scientists and students to participate in ocean-going research expeditions without leaving campus. Designed by Burt Hill, Boston, the new facility will also house new office and laboratory space, a central computing area, administrative offices, and a new campus gathering place. It will allow for growth of the Pell Library's collection and incorporate new electronic facilities to provide information services to users. Construction is expected to be completed in spring 2009.