First NIC facilities roll toward summer finish

Nebraska Innovation Campus will open for business this summer as the first two buildings and a four-season greenhouse go online. Construction on the former State Fair Park continues as the two buildings — the former 4-H Building and new Companion Building — are scheduled to open for a June move-in. Work on the state-of-the-art greenhouse will begin soon. “This will again be a key year for Nebraska Innovation Campus,” said Dan Duncan, executive director of the private/public research campus. “Last year was key because we started construction. Next year will be key as we continue to develop and build. This year is key because we start moving in and setting the culture, forming what we want Nebraska Innovation Campus to be to the world.” The 4-H and Companion buildings are linked to provide a conference center, commons area,office and meeting space. The conference center includes a 390-seat auditorium, high-tech meeting rooms and a cafeteria. Duncan said marketing of the conference facility has not yet started, but the NIC group has tentatively booked an event for June and another for 2015