Grand Challenges Research Building Construction Updates

March 13, 2024
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GCRB Construction Updates 1

GCRB Construction Updates 1

Find updates and photos on the construction progress of the Grand Challenges Research Building (GCRB) in the following gallery. 

GCRB is a new research facility that will leverage the University of Arizona's core strengths to address the grand challenges identified in Pillar 2 of the University's strategic plan. GCRB will be an interdisciplinary facility designed to foster conversations among sciences and programs. The 7-story building will be located on Cherry Avenue as part of the Wyant College of Optical Sciences complex. The new building will be south of Meinel West, and across the street from the Main Library. GCRB will support research laboratories for expansion of the Optical Sciences under the Office of the Provost to continue advancing the University's international reputation in this field, as well as new sponsored projects for the Office of Research Innovation and Impact.

See the PD&C page for more details and updates.

Research at the GCRB

News Media About GCRB

 

Time-lapse of Optics Table Delivery & Setup

A few fun facts!
  1. Optics tables being delivered range in size from 3'x6' all the way to 5'x10'. 
  2. The weight of the tables range from 660lbs to1660lbs.
  3. A few tables were customly installed to created different sizes and shapes. For example, there is a T shaped table in one lab and in another tables were bolted together making it 14'x4'.
  4. A total of 48 tables are being delivered and installed for the Wyant College of Optical Sciences.
  5. The yellow tool shown in the video is called a Vere Table Hoist.

January 2024 Walkthrough of GCRB Construction Site

January 2024 Video Walkthrough

Time-lapse of Telescope Mirror Delivery

August 2023 Video Walkthrough

August 2023 Walkthrough of GCRB Construction Site

July 2023 Drone Flyover

January 2023 Drone Flyover

August 2022 Drone Flyovers

First MegaPad Use 

July 2022 Walkthrough of GCRB Construction Site

May 2022 Walkthrough of GCRB Construction Site

March 2022 Drone Flyover

2021 Construction Progress

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Groundbreaking

Design Drawings