(Sioux Falls, SD) – Sanford Health has accelerated its plans to create its research headquarters with the purchase of the Hutchinson Technology campus in northeast Sioux Falls. Purchasing the 300,000-square-foot building near I-229 and Benson Road allows Sanford Health to rapidly expand its multiple research initiatives which have already seen significant growth in the past five years. This campus will hold all of Sanford Research/USD, which includes 125 researchers and support staff.
"Earlier this year, Mr. Denny Sanford accelerated his pledge and completed his $400 million donation to our health system. This, combined with the rapid growth of our research initiatives, has lead to a more urgent need to expand research space," Dave Link, Executive Vice President with Sanford Health stated. "This is a tremendous opportunity to purchase a well-maintained facility that will immediately meet our needs."
The secure facility includes nearly 120,000 square feet of clean manufacturing space which can quickly be transformed into research space. The building also includes a computer room, office space and a full-service cafeteria. In addition, the 71-acre campus includes 40 undeveloped acres, allowing Sanford Health room for expansion.
"We still intend to develop our property at I-29 and 1-229 in Sioux Falls. As needed state and city infrastructure is added in this area, we will continue our plans for using the property for continued growth," Link added. "Meanwhile, the Hutchinson Technology campus allows us to advance many of our research plans by at least three years. Most importantly, purchasing this campus allows our researchers to accelerate their discoveries, leading to more treatments and cures sooner."
Sanford Research/USD will begin relocating to the campus late 2009.
About Sanford Research/USD
In 1998 a non-profit research organization was formed between Sanford Health and the University of South Dakota. In 2007, a transformational gift of $400 million by Denny Sanford has allowed for an expansion of current research goals and will enable Sanford/USD Research to become one of the premiere research institutions in the United States and the world. Over the years, Sanford Research/USD has made significant contributions to the research areas of cardiovascular health, women's health, cancer biology, disparities, pediatrics, metabolism/nutrition and genomics. For more information, visit www.sanfordhealth.org/research.
Contact:
Stacy Bauer Jones | Media Relations Coordinator
(605) 328-7056 | jonesst@sanfordhealth.org
