BRIC named a finalist for Global Innovator’s Award

Baylor’s BRIC project is really beginning to take shape; the old General Tire plant has been gutted down to its shell, with new walls going up daily and interior work just around the corner (see current photo and final drawing at right). That’s right in line with the original timeline, which calls for the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative — Baylor’s first research park — to begin welcoming occupants from Baylor, Texas State Technical College and industrial partners next year.

But BRIC is already earning international plaudits for its vision, having been named one of eight finalists for CoreNetGlobal’s 12th annual H. Bruce Russell Global Innovator’s Award last month. The award recognizes innovation in economic development, technology, project management and development and workplace innovation; it is presented by CoreNetGlobal, a leading international association for corporate real estate and workplace professionals, service providers and economic developers.

Other finalists for the 2011 award include PricewaterhouseCoopers, CB Richard Ellis, the state of Pennsylvania’s Center for Trade Development, and New Zealand-based architecture firm Jasmax. In August, representatives from Baylor’s Office of the Vice Provost for Research, the Greater Waco Chamber, and Perkins+Will Architects went to Atlanta to deliver a presentation on the BRIC project. The winner of the award will be announced at the annual CoreNet Members Summit meeting on Nov. 6 in Atlanta.

Sic ’em, BRIC!