Gilbane and University of New Hampshire mark beam-signing milestone for new ocean mapping research center
Durham, NH facility will house the Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great Lakes Mapping and the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, opening fall 2027
AT A GLANCE: 70,500 square feet, including 35,000 square feet of high-bay space · Design-build delivery with Stantec · Scheduled to open fall 2027 · First phase of UNH’s Edge Innovation District
Durham, NH – July 14, 2026 – Gilbane Building joined the University of New Hampshire this week to mark a beam-signing ceremony for the new Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great Lakes Mapping, a milestone in the construction of the 70,500-square-foot research facility in Durham, New Hampshire.
The building will house the Center of Excellence alongside the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, supporting applied research, training and technical assistance in ocean mapping. It will also include 35,000 square feet of high-bay space for industry partners collaborating with UNH.
“This building is a clear example of where UNH and the state of New Hampshire have developed sustained leadership and distinction,” said UNH President Elizabeth Chilton.
Gilbane Building is serving as design-builder in partnership with Stantec, with the project scheduled to open in fall 2027. The beam-signing ceremony recognized the progress of construction and the teams bringing the project to life, a tradition marking the placement of a significant structural beam before it is raised into the building.
“Gilbane is honored to support the growing ecosystem of academic and industry collaborators in the UNH community who are committed to exploration and preservation,” said Justin MacEachern, vice president, Gilbane Building.
The Center of Excellence is the first phase of the Edge Innovation District, a long-term initiative that would integrate research, office, housing, education and hospitality space into a mixed-use community. The project builds on Gilbane’s experience delivering higher education facilities nationwide, work frequently structured through public-private partnerships.
About Gilbane
Gilbane is the trusted leader in end-to-end solutions for the built environment, with integrated expertise across real estate investment, development, full-service construction, and property and facilities management.
Family-owned since 1870, Gilbane is one of the oldest and largest privately held real estate development and construction companies in the world. With more than 45 offices, and 4,000+ employees worldwide, Gilbane pairs global experience with deep community connections to empower clients to move from vision to long-term performance with confidence. Guided by values that put people first and prioritize innovation, Gilbane builds trust, strengthens communities, and is driven by a purpose to boldly shape the world. Learn more at gilbaneco.com.