Genentech Hall — sure to set the standard in architectural design and construction for a public research facility — is getting praise from those who enter its stony walls.

"This building has been opening to rave reviews," reports Russ Akre, project manager for UCSF Facilities Management. "I have not heard one negative comment."

About 16 people, including UC Regents and officials from the UC Office of the President were among the latest admirers of the nearly completed $223 million, six-story building, the first to open at the 43-acre UCSF Mission Bay campus. UC Regents and officials also stopped by the Catellus Visitors Center, where they saw plans for the entire 303-acre revitalization project.

Steve Wiesenthal, associate vice chancellor for Capital Programs & Facilities Management, and researchers Tom James and Peter Walter, who will be among the first wave of scientists to work in Genentech Hall, were among those to lead the tours through the 434,000-square-foot building. The visitors spent about 45 minutes seeing the highlights - the deluxe laboratory and office spaces, 261-seat auditorium, planned second-floor eatery and terrace, grand atrium and amphitheater.

"This building clearly sets the standard," says campus architect Wiesenthal. "It's great to start off the campus with a building of this quality."

Genentech Hall is a product of the architectural team of SmithGroup SF and Zimmer Gunsel Frasca Partnership. UCSF's Akre worked with Turner Construction Co., the construction management firm, and contractor Clark Construction Co.

Meanwhile, crews are placing stone to the exterior of the second research building to house programs in neuroscience, developmental biology and human genetics. Windows will be placed on the building beginning in February 2003, according to Olivier Pieron, project manager. The building is on schedule to open for occupancy in October 2003.

Beginning October 2002, crews will begin landscaping the 3.2-acre area known as the Koret Quad. When completed in the summer of 2003, the quad will feature open space, works of art and about 1,500 trees.

Crews continue to drive indicator piles for the Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research or QB3 and the campus community center.

And although the first group of researchers will move into Genentech Hall in January 2003, staff will soon begin preparing the building for occupancy and testing equipment. Millicent Cooper, recently named building manager for Genentech Hall, is due to move into her first-floor office in a week or two.

Source: Lisa Cisneros

Last updated April 7, 2005

Chancellor Bishop at Mission Bay

Chancellor Mike Bishop talks about the plans for the UCSF Mission Bay campus at the Catellus Visitors Center when UC Regents and UC officials toured the area on Sept. 17, 2002. Photo by Christine Jegan.

UCSF researchers at Mission Bay

UCSF researchers Tom James, center, and Peter Walter, left, discuss the features of the 43-acre teaching and research campus at the Catellus Visitors Center. Photo by Christine Jegan.

UC regents at Mission Bay

UC Regents and officials enter Genentech Hall from the amphitheater entrances. Photo by Christine Jegan.

Genentech Hall atrium

Visitors to Genentech Hall look at the expansive atrium that serves as a focal point in the 434,000-square-foot research building. Photo by Christine Jegan.

Genentech Hall atrium

A view from the amphitheater to the atrium inside Genentech Hall. Photo by Christine Jegan.

Genentech Hall view

A late afternoon view of the UCSF Mission Bay campus and the city skyline beyond from Genentech Hall. Photo by Christine Jegan.

Second research building

Crews continue to place stone to the exterior of the second research building to house programs in neuroscience, developmental biology and human genetics. Photo by Lisa Cisneros.

QB3 pile driving

Crews also begin driving test piles for future construction of the California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research (QB3) , which will stand near Genentech Hall, left, and be located across the second research building at the UCSF Mission Bay campus. Photo by Lisa Cisneros.