Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative
The Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC) is the flagship project for the Central Texas Technology and Research Park, an initiative by organizations and higher educational institutions in Central Texas to develop, promote and market science and engineering technologies, university research and advanced technology training and workforce development. Originally a General Tire manufacturing facility, the BRIC building and surrounding area will be completely renovated to provide a facility with a unique blend of university research, industry, workforce development and training, public symposia and business start-up support space.
The design effort to renovate the BRIC building is complete and construction is underway. The core and shell design includes a new high-performance skin and roof system. Low-E glazing, brick and precast panels, and a high albedo roof system will provide an envelope that exceeds industry performance baselines and supports the campus' sustainability initiatives. The BRIC building will retain the iconic look and feel of the original General Tire complex, while providing a contemporary architectural statement for the research park. The resulting structure will provide a durable facility to house research, industry and work force development for many years to come.
Location and Size
Located in the heart of Waco's Central Texas Technology and Research Park, the BRIC will be housed in a former General Tire facility, an existing 300,000-square-foot (28,000 m2) building. The expansive 21 acre site provides the potential to add 550,000 to 700,000 total gross square feet of property development for future research, business and industry initiatives.
Once completed the BRIC will provide 175,000 square feet (16,300 m2) of graduate research space for Baylor University and an additional 50,000 square feet (4,600 m2) for collaborative industry/university research. To increase the value of these university/industry-based joint research efforts, the plan calls for an additional 45,000 square feet (4,200 m2) of high technology workforce development space interspersed among the various research focus areas.
Waco, Texas is situated 90 miles (140 km) equidistant south of Dallas and north of Austin. The BRIC is located directly off I-35, the main interstate connecting Waco, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. TSTC Airport (Connally Field) is located just minutes north of the BRIC, and is capable of handling the largest cargo aircraft. A major rail route runs directly along the perimeter of the BRIC property. As a prospective industry location, Waco tops the list with low cost of living, excellent community and technical colleges, a major university and numerous recreational activities.
Architectural services were provided by Perkins + Will and general contracting by The Beck Group.
BRIC Funding Stakeholders
- Baylor University
- Texas State Technical College
- McLennan County, Texas
- Waco, Texas
- Bellmead, Texas
- Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce
- Cooper Foundation
External links
Coordinates: 31°34′14″N 97°06′23″W / 31.5706°N 97.1064°W