Radford University and Skanska Celebrate Topping-Out Milestone of Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity Project

by Becky Brackin

Radford, VA (07/22/2022) — Skanska announced the "topping-out" milestone on Radford University's new Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity (CAIC). Located in Radford, VA, the 178,000-square-foot building will replace the existing space for the College of Visual and Performing Arts and create interdisciplinary student spaces.

"Radford University is excited about the transformational educational opportunities this new facility will provide our students with an innovative approach to visual and performing arts and health education through interdisciplinary research," said Stephanie Jennelle, interim vice president for finance and administration at the university.

Representatives from Skanska, Radford University and Skanska's construction partners commemorated the event by signing a steel beam and placing it at the top of the building's construction during a ceremony on July 22, 2022.

The topping-out ceremony is a symbolic tradition that has been passed down for generations throughout the construction industry. It honors the construction team's hard work and the support of the surrounding community, and signals a time of celebration for the progress made on a project.

"The new Artis Center for Adaptative Innovation and Creativity will offer modern classrooms and other spaces to welcome and inspire students, faculty, and staff at Radford University for generations to come," said Greg Peele, executive vice president responsible for Skanska's North Carolina and Virginia building operations. "The topping-out signals a significant milestone as it puts this project one step closer to completion."

CAIC represents the largest capital construction project in the history of Radford University in terms of total project funding and square footage. The new building will allow for the cross-disciplinary collaboration of educational programs in the arts, health sciences, and technology, and will include state-of-the-art facilities, such as:

• a 500-seat performing arts theatre auditorium,
• fashion and interior design labs,
• health sciences clinical labs,
• painting and drawing studios,
• music and dance studios,
• maker and printer spaces,
• photography/darkroom space
• virtual and augmented reality labs, and
• offices and other academic support spaces, including classrooms and collaboration rooms.

The project is expected to be completed by end of 2023.

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About Radford University:

Radford University is a comprehensive public university of 8,998 students that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 211-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. With over 300 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. In addition to robust academic offerings and engaging student experiences on the main campus located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University also offers a clinical-based educational experience for more than 1,100 students living and learning in Roanoke, Virginia as part of Radford University Carilion, a public-private partnership focused on the cutting-edge delivery of health sciences programming, outreach and service.

About Skanska:

Skanska uses knowledge & foresight to shape the way people live, work, and connect. More than 135 years in the making, we're one of the world's largest development and construction companies. We operate in select markets throughout the Nordics, Europe and the United States. Skanska in the U.S. is headquartered in New York City with 30 offices around the country. In 2021, construction in the U.S. generated $6.4 billion in revenue, and as a developer in the U.S., Skanska has invested a total of $3 billion in commercial and multi-family projects. Together with our customers and the collective expertise of our 7,300+ teammates in the U.S. and 30,000+ globally, we create innovative and sustainable solutions that support healthy living beyond our lifetime.

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