Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Embry-Riddle Completes Construction on Research, Lab Facility

  • By Matt Jones
  • 06/03/26

Key Takeaways

  • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has completed its new 35,000-square-foot Center for Aerospace Engineering II (CAT II), a research facility designed to advance aerospace technology development and education through specialized laboratories and a sterilization clean room.
  • The facility includes advanced capabilities to simulate space and atmospheric conditions, providing researchers with highly specialized environments for aerospace testing and innovation.
  • Construction required careful coordination with nearby flight operations at Daytona Beach International Airport, with Hoar Construction implementing equipment-height restrictions to maintain safe and unobstructed airspace throughout the project.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Fla., recently announced the end of construction on a new research and lab facility on campus. The Center for Aerospace Engineering II (CAT II) will support aerospace research and technology development and broke ground last summer. The university partnered with ikon.5 architects as the project’s lead designer and with Hoar Construction for construction services.

The 35,000-square-foot facility contains specialized laboratory space that can simulate space and atmospheric conditions, the news release reports; it also features a clean room to sterilize equipment for space operations.

“CAT II is a great example of how thoughtful planning and collaboration can bring highly technical spaces to life,” said Erika Charlassier, Hoar Construction project manager. “From advanced laboratories to the sterilization room, every element of this facility was built to support innovation. Our team worked closely with Embry-Riddle to safely navigate complex conditions while maintaining schedule and budget, delivering a space that will help shape the future of aerospace research and education.”

The construction process took into consideration student planes frequently taking off and landing from the nearby Daytona Beach International Airport. Hoar Construction worked with the university to ensure the placement of equipment like cranes, boom pumps, and forklifts never exceeded the height of the building itself to keep airspace clear.

Hoar previously partnered with Embry-Riddle on the construction of a 239,172-square-foot, four-story parking garage including office space on the ground floor.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Virginia Tech Tops Out New College of Engineering Building

    Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., recently celebrated the topping out of Mitchell Hall, which will soon stand as the largest College of Engineering building on campus, according to a news release. The university partnered with Skanska on the 285,500-square-foot facility, which has an expected completion date of winter 2028.

  • Sam Houston State University Completes Athletic Stadium Renovations

    Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, recently announced the reopening of Elliott T. Bowers Stadium after an extensive renovation project, according to a news release. The university partnered with Stantec and DLR Group for the project’s design.

  • St. John Fisher University

    Classroom Revitalization – Basil Hall Room 216

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. St. John Fisher University's Basil Hall Room 216 Classroom Revitalization has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of Spaces.

  • Fayetteville State University Opens New College of Education Building

    Fayetteville State University (FSU) in Fayetteville, N.C., recently celebrated the opening of a new $69.3-million College of Education building, according to a university news release.