Built in 22 months, the $30.6-million property encompasses a total of 110,000 sf. Designed to accommodate both public and private foundations involved with life sciences bioengineering research, the building was planned with each focus area contained in the building in mind. As a result, each floor of the five-level facility is dedicated to one major focus area, including geonomic bioengineering, molecular biomechanics and systems bioengineering. The building, which stands four stories high, includes 63,000 sf of laboratory space; 30,000 sf of offices; 12,000 sf of public/instructional/meeting space that features a student-learning center; and a 5,000-sf subterranean vivarium.

"This new building helps further illustrate UCSD's prominence in the bioengineering research sector," says Boone Hellman, USCD vice chancellor of Facilities Design and Construction.

Designed by Los Angeles-based Anshen + Allen Architects, the cast-in-place structure features a mix of metal panels, pre-cast concrete, corrugated metal, glass curtain wall and stone imported from India.

The Powell-Focht Bioengineering Building marks McCarthy's fourth job with UCSD. The Newport Beach-based general contractor is currently constructing the $68-million Cancer Center and $42.5-million School of Medicine and Research Facility at the university.