Artist rendering of the C Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute (TMI). Credit: The Clark Enerson Partners.
A ground-breaking ceremony for the facility's construction was held in June 2017. Credit: Colorado State University.
John and Leslie Malone donated $42.5m for the establishment of the TMI. Credit: Colorado State University.

In June 2017, Colorado State University (CSU) started building the C Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute (TMI).

The institute is being built at CSU’s south campus between the Diagnostic Medicine Centre and the Orthopaedic Research Centre.

The facility is expected to support discoveries in translational medicine for humans and animals, enhancing CSU’s research expertise in areas such as orthopaedics, biomedical engineering, immunology, infectious disease and surgical advances.

The building is named after Dr Wayne McIlwraith, a veterinarian and professor of CSU who was also the founding director of CSU’s Orthopaedic Research Centre.

Built at a cost of $65m, the facility is expected to be completed by late 2018.

Details of the Translational Medicine Institute

The TMI will have a total space of 116,194ft², with 48,550ft² dedicated to animal care facilities.

The institute will contain three animal holding buildings, a research horse barn and a sheep barn, as well as a lab facility for smaller animals. It will also accommodate CSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Sophisticated facilities will be available for research and education in the fields of stem cells, engineered tissues and regenerative and biological therapies.

“Sophisticated facilities will be available for research and education in the fields of stem cells, engineered tissues and regenerative and biological therapies.”

The institute will offer space for educators and innovators from academia, industry and public agencies to collaborate and pursue the development of promising medical technologies. It will be equipped with research spaces, clinical resources and conference areas.

The facility is also intended to enhance entrepreneurial models and optimise innovation timelines.

Construction details of the Translational Medicine Institute

The process of replacing the site’s current facilities is expected to be completed at a cost of $19.8m. A topping-out ceremony for the TMI building was held in November 2017.

Contractors involved

US-based construction company Clark Enersen Partners was contracted to provide architecture, interior design, master planning and landscape architecture services for the TMI building, as well as civil, mechanical, electrical and structural engineering.

Real estate company Tetrad Property Group (TPG) is providing planning, designing and financing services, as well as project management and operations and maintenance activities for the project under a public-private partnership.

Once construction is completed, TPG will also carry out general building maintenance and operations for a period of 30 years.

The construction contract was awarded to American privately owned construction firm JE Dunn Construction.

Financing for the project

John and Leslie Malone contributed $42.5m to the project, including $32.5m for construction and $10m for operations, while Princess Abigail Kawananakoa provided $20m.

Additional expenses for the project will be paid for by the State of Colorado and CSU.