ASU completes $185 million ISTB 12 in ASU Polytechnic Innovation Zone

Article originally posted on AZ Big Media on October 31, 2025

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 ISTB12 this semester and more than 50 classes are expected for the spring 2026 semester. Going forward, the university anticipates holding more than 100 classes in ISTB12 each year with more than 10,000 students utilizing the newly 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.