By Mary Jane Epling, The Herald-Dispatch
HUNTINGTON — Marshall University’s new Institute of Cyber Security may be built for the ever-evolving digital future, but project designers say the building’s foundation is unmistakably West Virginian — shaped by the surrounding mountains, iconic steel bridges and historic brickwork that define the state’s and university’s past.
Toney Stroud, Marshall’s vice president for strategic initiatives and corporate relations, said the university is dedicated to preparing students to protect critical infrastructure of the future through developing its state-of-the-art cybersecurity center.
The university recently awarded a construction bid for the $45 million, 72,000-square-foot Institute for Cyber Security to the local Neighborgall Construction Co., whose crews officially broke ground on the project earlier this month at the corner of Hal Greer Boulevard and 4th Avenue.
Perkins Eastman architects Jeff Young, principal in charge, and Elena Bresciani, principal for design, said the building’s prime location was a factor in drawing inspiration for how the structure will look.
Image by Ryan Fischer, The Herald-Dispatch