Built on the site where the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute (NPI) once stood.
Nebraska Psychiatric Institute (NPI)
- Cecil Wittson opened the NPI building in 1955 based on his belief that the future of psychiatry was in the use of new drugs and psychotherapeutic techniques to provide treatment to the mentally ill. Time proved him correct.
- In 1989, the building became the University Geriatric Center with 30 inpatient beds, 14 geropsychiatric, a sleep lab, and a pain management center. UNMC geriatric programs are now housed in a brand new building located on 38th Ave and Leavenworth Streets. It is called the Home Instead Center for Successful Aging.
- In 2001, the history of the building was celebrated before the site was cleared in preparation for the construction of the first research tower.
- Ground was broken in May 2001.
- Dedicated November 2003.
- Named in honor of Charles Durham to recognize his outstanding contribution to the project.
- 10 levels, including two below ground and a total of 289,000 gross square feet.
- The DRC cost $77 million – all from private funds, except $2.5 million in federal funds.
- No state tax dollars were used in the construction.
- Some of the building's highlights include:
- 116 research laboratories
- a 319-seat auditorium
- three classrooms and 12 conference/seminar rooms
- computer laboratory
- research areas with state-of-the-art laboratories and associated support services.
Durham Research Center I
- In 2006, UNMC broke ground to build the second research tower adjacent to the Durham Research Center (DRC). DRC II opened in May 2009.
- 10 levels with 95 state-of-the-art laboratories, as well as office space for investigators. and laboratory support personnel.
- Funding came primarily from private donations, with Chuck Durham making the largest donation to date.
- UNMC commissioned a sculpture of Durham by Omaha artist John Lajba, which is located near the entrances of the two research towers.
Durham Research Center II
