 Description:The Helmerich Advanced Technology Research Center (ATRC) at OSU-Tulsa houses laboratories for faculty and graduate students who will develop the next generation of composites and materials used by many Oklahoma industries. Funds for the facility were provided from three sources: $30 million from Tulsa County's Vision 2025, $12.9 million from the state's higher education bond issue and $9 million from Walter and Peggy Helmerich of Tulsa. Construction of the Helmerich ATRC was completed in November, 2007. PSA Dewberry was the architect of the facility, while Flintco Constructive Solutions served as the construction manager. Community Benefit:Research conducted in the Helmerich ATRC will result in commercialization of new technologies that will help the state's economy by creating jobs and attracting industries to the region. The research center will have an annual budget of $8 to $10 million, including federal and private research funds. However, the greatest benefit of the research should come from development of patents and the creation of new companies. Research Initiatives:The Helmerich ATRC focuses on four strategic research and technology development thrusts that are part of the fabric and the future of the Tulsa region - materials science and engineering, bio-based technologies, energy technologies, and information and control technologies. Across these four areas, engineering faculty, graduate students and visiting scholars will develop new materials from the application of nanotechnology to ceramics, composites, aerospace materials, polymers and metals. Facility Features:The 123,000-square-foot building can house up to 40 faculty and researchers and 100 graduate students. The research center contains specialized laboratories, a clean room, an imaging suite, advanced information technology equipment and faculty offices. In addition, two high-tech seminar rooms, one seating 120 people and another seating 40, are available for international research conferences and special seminars. The spacious, central atrium provides a welcoming entrance into the facility. Location:The Helmerich ATRC is located near the main entrance of OSU-Tulsa, just north of Interstate 244 and west of Detroit Avenue. This prominent location places the facility as the gateway to the OSU-Tulsa campus. History and Gallery:
On December 14, 2004, the ceremonial Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Helmerich ATRC ceremony kicked off the construction activities surrounding the center.
Design work was completed in the first half of 2005. Construction began in earnest in October, 2005, shortly after it was announced that the Helmerich family had pledged a significant gift to the university for construction of the facility. The gallery below shows the evolution of the building from the time the first earth movers began their excavation of the hillside between the westbound Cincinnati/Denver I-244 exit through the eventual "Topping Out" ceremony in November, 2006.
During the Topping Out Ceremony on November 1, 2006, dignitaries from the President and Trustees to the OSU-Tulsa staff and faculty were invited to see the progress on the building. Those in attendance were given a chance to climb to the top of the building to observe the beautiful view of downtown Tulsa, as well as leave their signature on the strobic fans, which comprise the highest point of the building, to commemorate the occasion.
During 2007, construction focus shifted to the completion of laboratory and office facilities, seminar rooms, and common areas. Fall 2007 brought the completion of the facility's interior and exterior finish, including everything from the gardens to the public art on display.
The theme Explore is reflected in every aspect of the building, from the promise of the state-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities to the statue "Explore" that was installed outside the facility in October 2007.
The Helmerich research center was dedicated on November 29, 2007, signaling the readiness of the facility to house the researchers and students that will explore the future at OSU-Tulsa. OSU-Tulsa President Gary Trennepohl, Congressman John Sullivan and Tulsa County Commissioner Randi Miller joined other area legislators and dignitaries in the Atrium of the Helmerich ATRC for the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. More than 300 community members and OSU-Tulsa faculty, staff and students took part in the celebration and guided tours of the new facility.
Press Releases |
