Gilbane Building Co. recently began construction of the $15 million undersea exploration center at the University of Rhode Island's Bay Campus.
The 41,000 s/f building will use satellite and Internet2 systems to give local students the opportunity for live remote interaction with ocean-going expeditions. Construction is expected to be completed in spring 2009.

The project will coincide with the renovation and expansion of the 50,000 s/f Pell Marine Science Library. The building's brick façade was designed to coordinate with the exteriors of the two closest buildings.

Design was provided by Burt Hill.
The project is being financed with $14 million in state bonds plus an additional $1 million in private investments.