Embry-Riddle Breaks Ground on New Office Building

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Fla., recently announced that construction has begun on a new office building for its campus Research Park, according to a news release. The university partnered with Hoar Construction on the 34,740-square-foot Center for Aerospace Technology II (CAT II), which will be used for research and lab purposes.

The John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Complex (also known as the MicaPlex) contains multiple research and development facilities in fields like aviation, engineering, business, space, security & intelligence, and technology. The university is partnering with architecture firm ikon.5 architects on CAT II, which will contain office and research lab space, the news release reports.

“Hoar is pleased to once again partner with ERAU on a project that supports the university’s mission to drive innovation in aerospace and engineering,” said Hoar Construction’s Michael Parks, senior vice president of the Florida division. “CAT II is designed with cutting-edge research and collaboration in mind, and we’re excited to bring that vision to life with a facility that reflects the caliber of work happening here. Our Florida team has an extensive repertoire of both higher-ed and office initiatives, and we look forward to working alongside our partners to deliver this project on time to the highest standards of quality.”

Embry-Riddle and Hoar have previously partnered on an almost-240,000-square-foot, four story parking garage including more than 8,000 square feet of office space on the first floor, the news release reports.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Philadelphia Middle School Facility Earns LEED Gold Certification

    The Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin Middle School in Philadelphia, Penn., recently received a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The School District of Pennsylvania partnered with KSS Architects on the project.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • University of Kansas Breaks Ground on Entrepreneurship Hub

    The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new KU Entrepreneurship Hub, according to university news. The Hub is part of the university’s School of Business and will include spaces for experiential learning and programming.

  • USC Launches Major AI Initiative After $200M Gift

    The University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Calif., recently announced that it has launched a “transformational” new AI initiative thanks to a $200M gift, according to a news release. The project will leverage AI toward breakthroughs and innovations in subjects like the health sciences, business, security, and the arts.