 
 
VIMS Marine Research Building Complex
W. M. Jordan Company provided general contracting services to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) for a new research complex that replaces three outdated laboratory buildings on the Gloucester Point campus. The new complex includes the Marine Research Lab, a 71,000 square foot scientific research building, the Saltwater Research Lab, a 46,000 square foot seawater laboratory, and a Water Treatment Building, a 4,300 square foot pre-engineered metal building for treatment and storage of seawater. The Marine Research Lab is a four-story laboratory building with classrooms and office space. The building houses the Physical Sciences Department, Biological Sciences, Molluscan Ecology Program, and the Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center. Supporting spaces include Faculty and Tech offices, Visiting Scientists offices, student workstations, a Distance Learning Center, conference rooms, and informal meeting spaces. The Seawater Lab is a separate structure because of the corrosive effect of seawater. The building contains industrial lab space, an overhead bridge crane, and heavy mechanical systems. It is a single story because of the weight of the water in the large tanks that will hold a variety of marine life. Both labs are steel frame structures with brick and glass exteriors. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science has a three-part mission to conduct interdisciplinary research in coastal ocean and estuarine science, educate students and citizens, and provide advisory service to policy makers, industry, and the public. The VIMS School of Marine Science (SMS) is the professional graduate school in marine science for the College of William & Mary. Chartered in 1940, VIMS is currently among the largest marine research and education centers in the United States.
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