"This extraordinary opportunity will accelerate the school's efforts in enhancing its research and educational programs and fostering new cross-disciplinary programs," says the university engineering school dean Nariman Farvardin. "The establishment of this significant facility will help propel the school into the ranks of the premier engineering schools in the world."

A joint venture of architects involving Oubens+Knopp and SmithGroup is behind the facility's innovative design. Upon completion the new structure will house 16 labs including a 12,000-sf microfabrication room and a 2,100-sf semiconductor assembly lab. Clark expects to wrap up construction on the property in December of next year.