By CJ Jorgensen for AZBEX
The University of Governance and Operations Committee of the Arizona Board of Regents approved the University of Arizona’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027-2030 Capital Improvement Plan during its Sept. 11thmeeting.
The CIP calls for UA to invest $70M in upgrades and renovations across two projects in FY 2027. Additionally, the University touched on the return of an old project and eight construction projects planned for FY 2028-2030.
Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies (CAMI)
The Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies (CAMI) paused construction in March due to funding concerns. UA resubmitted the project to ABOR with a lower cost of $232M. According to DATABEX, the project was initially pegged at $290M.Additionally, the University requested to issue $75M of debt to finish construction.
DATABEX lists SmithGroup as the architect, and McCarthy Building Companies as the general contractor. Project representatives confirmed construction is now active and ongoing.
The facility will have a gross square footage of 205K. The building is located at the SWC of Filmore Street and 7th Street in Phoenix.
The high-rise project will contain wet lab research spaces for 36-40 principal investigators, clinical research space and dry lab space. An expansion of the existing vivarium is included in the program and will be shelled for future development.
Phase One consists of a 15K net assignable square feet of clinical research and core lab space, as well as 25KNASF of academic and collaboration space. Plans also call for 75KNASF of wet lab space and 7KNASF of vivarium space to be shelled for future development.
Completion is targeted for May 2027.
Athletics Deferred Maintenance and Infrastructure Upgrades
The first item listed in UA’s FY 2027 plan is the Athletics Deferred Maintenance and Infrastructure Upgrades. This consists of several smaller projects with a collective budget of $50M. Funding will be obtained via SPEED revenue bonds.
According to the executive summary, the project is centered on investments in the Arizona Stadium, McKale Center and other sports facilities. A site location map included in the supporting documents lists the Hillenbrand Stadium, Jefferson Gymnasium, Roby Gymnastics and Hillenbrand Aquatic as the other facilities.
Individual projects will be prioritized to meet critical infrastructure needs. The needs are identified by the University’s recent Facilities Condition Assessment of athletic buildings.
The description goes on to say the projects consist of “electrical, lighting, seating, and restroom upgrades to enhance safety and gameday experience.” Supporting documents say the upgrades are “critical for sustaining the security and longevity of those well-used facilities, as well as creating opportunities for future fan, alumni, and supporter engagement.”
As for the delivery method, the document says, “All projects will follow State contracts that have been competitively bid. As well as National or governmental request for proposals with the lowest cost being one of the evaluation components. In-house Facility Management Project Managers or Supervisors have been overseeing all projects. CSC has been used for design professionals as needed.”
Projects are slated for completion in June 2026.
Student Experience and Student Union Memorial Center Upgrades
The final item listed in the FY 2027 plan is the Student Experience and Student Union Memorial Center Upgrades. This item also consists of multiple smaller projects. Collectively, these projects are valued at $20M and will be funded via SPEED revenue bonds.
The description begins by saying the Student Union Memorial Center was most recently renovated in 2001. The item goes on to say that it is a “focal point of the student experience on campus.”
Projects to receive renovations are all “student-centered spaces.” Dining spaces across campus are to receive renovations determined by a Facilities Condition Assessment. Upgrades will target HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems.
The projects have the same delivery method as the Athletics Deferred Maintenance and Infrastructure Upgrades.
FY 2028-2030
UA also discussed different projects that will appear in 2028 and beyond. These developments range from student housing to building expansions. Click here for more meeting details.
