Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building 12 Opens at Arizona State University’s Polytechnic Campus

Highlights: 

• New research hub on ASU’s Polytechnic campus represents a $250 million investment in the region’s advanced manufacturing sector, supporting development of the ASU Polytechnic Innovation Zone.
• Specialized lab space focuses on additive manufacturing, robotics for smart manufacturing and industry automation, cyber manufacturing and operations research, semiconductor manufacturing, and manufacturing systems for the energy sector.
• The 22-month construction project is now complete, welcoming students, faculty and staff for 20+ classes during the Fall 2025 semester and 50+ during the Spring 2026 semester. It is expected that there will be over 100 classes held at ISTB 12 each year going forward, with more than 10,000 students utilizing the new space.  
• In keeping with its emphasis on innovation, ISTB 12 is the first ASU building to use various prefabrication innovations, including multi-trade corridor racks, prefabricated enclosure panels, and an embedded overhead uni-strut system to improve long-term flexibility.

Arizona State University (ASU), in partnership with integrated design team SmithGroup and general contractor McCarthy Building Companies, has completed construction of the $185 million Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building 12 (ISTB 12) at ASU’s Polytechnic campus in Mesa, Ariz. The state-of-the-art facility serves as the cornerstone for the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering’s School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks, advancing ASU’s role as a global hub for innovation, and represents a $250 million investment in the region as part of the ASU Polytechnic Innovation Zone.

The 173,194-square-foot ISTB 12 provides specialized laboratory, research, instructional and collaboration space for additive manufacturing, robotics for smart manufacturing and industry automation, cyber manufacturing and operations research, semiconductor manufacturing, and manufacturing systems for the energy sector.

The building, which officially opened for the 2025 fall semester, represents a major addition to ASU’s East Valley Polytechnic Innovation Zone. There are 20+ classes being held in ISTB 12 this semester and well over 50 classes are expected for the Spring 2026 semester. Going forward, the university anticipates holding more than 100 classes in ISTB 12 each year with over 10,000 students utilizing thenewly constructed space’s classrooms, instructional labs, meeting enclaves and other space each academic year. 

“ISTB 12 provides ASU with advanced lab space for additive manufacturing, robotics, and semiconductor research while being purpose-built to adapt to future technologies,” said Tim Smith, vice president for ASU Facilities Development and Management. “This flexibility ensures ASU continues to drive innovation and support the East Valley’s growth as a center for advanced industry and opportunity.” 

ISTB 12 is the first at ASU to use various prefabrication innovations, including multi-trade corridor racks, prefabricated enclosure panels, and an embedded overhead uni-strut system to improve long-term flexibility. During design and construction of the building, the project team overcame supply chain challenges through an early procurement strategy, which provided for the timely arrival and sequencing of critical electrical and mechanical equipment. McCarthy’s craft workforce performed the project’s concrete, civil, plumbing and steel scopes, which aided in meeting the project schedule and maintaining both quality and budget.

“As the construction partner, we’re proud to deliver a facility that reflects innovation not only in its purpose but also in the way it was built for opening day and decades of adaptability,” said Carlos Diaz, project director for McCarthy Building Companies. “ISTB 12 will have a lasting impact on the East Valley and economic development in our state by preparing the next generation of industry leaders and supporting the rapid growth of the advanced manufacturing industry in metro Phoenix and around the globe.”

Sustainability was also a core priority for ISTB 12. The building incorporates energy recovery through preconditioned exhaust air capture, a building wide chilled beam system, advanced building controls, solar-ready infrastructure, with the project tracking LEED Gold certification in alignment with ASU’s sustainability goals.

“ISTB 12 has been designed as a flexible, future-ready research environment that reflects ASU’s commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Mark Kranz, Design Director at SmithGroup. “The building's U-shaped form creates a collaborative gateway to campus and a strategic link to the East Valley Innovation Research District, while the adaptable framework supports emerging technologies and evolving teaching methods. The design not only meets today’s academic needs but also positions ASU for continued leadership in research and innovation.”

Construction of the building began in October 2023 and was completed in July 2025. The facility was designed by SmithGroup and built by McCarthy Building Companies, with trade partners including Comfort Systems USA, Wilson Electric, KT Fabrication, E&K of Phoenix, Western Building Group, Climatec, MGC Millwork and Pete King. Design consultants included SmithGroup’s in-house MEP Engineering, lab planning and landscape architecture teams, along with Wood Patel Associates and PK Associates.

About Arizona State University

Arizona State University, ranked the No. 1 “Most Innovative School” in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 11 years in succession, has forged the model for a New American University by operating on the principles that learning is a personal and original journey for each student; that they thrive on experience and that the process of discovery cannot be bound by traditional academic disciplines. Through innovation and a commitment to accessibility, ASU has drawn pioneering researchers to its faculty even as it expands opportunities for qualified students.

About McCarthy Building Companies 

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. (McCarthy) is the oldest privately held national construction company in America. With more than 160 years spent collaborating with partners to solve complex building challenges on behalf of its clients, McCarthy is committed to delivering superior results and creating great experiences for everyone. McCarthy approaches every job with the mindset of a true builder. By self-performing critical scopes of work, McCarthy delivers accountability and consistency from start to finish. Through industry-leading design phase and construction techniques, combined with value-add technology, McCarthy drives smarter solutions and maximizes project outcomes. 

Repeatedly honored as a Best Place to Work and Healthiest Employer, McCarthy is ranked the 15th largest domestic builder (Engineering News-Record, May 2025). With over 8,000 salaried employees and craft professionals, the firm has offices in St. Louis; Atlanta; Collinsville, Ill.; Kansas City, Kan.; Omaha, Neb.; Phoenix; Chandler, Ariz.; Las Vegas; Denver; Austin, Channelview, Dallas, and Houston, Texas; and San Diego, Newport Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento, Calif. McCarthy is 100 percent employee owned. More information about the company is available online at mccarthy.com.

About SmithGroup 

SmithGroup (www.smithgroup.com) is one of the world’s preeminent integrated design firms. Working across a network of 21 offices in the U.S. and China, a team of 1,500 experts is committed to excellence in strategy, design, and delivery. The scale of the firm’s thinking and organization produces partnerships with forward-looking clients that maximize opportunities, minimize risk and solve their most complex problems. SmithGroup creates exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology organizations, higher education and cultural institutions, urban environments, diverse workplaces, mixed-use and waterfront developments, and parks and open spaces. 

Media Contact: 

Patty Johnson/Connections Marketing & Communications (McCarthy)
PattyJohnson [at] Connections-Marcom.com (PattyJohnson[at]Connections-Marcom[dot]com) or 602-402-2965