Zebrafish International Resource Center Expansion featured in The Register-Guard

What's That ... construction on the University of Oregon's campus north of Franklin Boulevard?

By Louis Krauss
The Register-Guard
March 4, 2022

Project: University research building expansion

Location: 1307 Franklin Blvd., Eugene

Description: The University of Oregon is in the middle of modernizing and expanding the Zebrafish International Resource Center. The project will replace and modernize existing aquaculture filtration equipment to maintain and enhance resources, according to UO spokesperson Molly Blancett. Along with the expansion on the west side of the main ZIRC building, existing parts will be modernized to current research standards, Blancett said. Construction is about halfway done and is expected to be completed sometime in August, Blancett said.

The current budget is roughly $9.8 million for both the expansion and partial renovation, and a majority of the funding comes from a $8 million federal grant from the National Institute of Health.

Background: Biomedical research using zebrafish began at the University of Oregon in the 1970s. Today, more than 1,000 laboratories in 41 countries use zebrafish to model human biology and disease, as well as to study basic principles of biology. UO has eight zebrafish research laboratories, along with housing ZIRC and the Zebrafish Information Network.

Architect: Rowell Brokaw Architects

Expansion size: Approximately 4,900 square feet

Contractor: Fortis Construction

Source: University of Oregon