History of the Campuses and Buildings of the University of Rochester
United States Hotel Prince Street Campus Eastman School of Music Medical Center River Campus Mid-Campus South Campus Mt. Hope Campus Graduate, Family and Veteran Housing Central Utilities Other Off-Site Buildings
River Campus New York State Optics Building


New York State Optics




The Pink Pig
Particle Physics Building in 1960

The Atomic Energy Commission funded construction of a one-story building south of Taylor Hall to research particle physics.  After the end of this program, the University's purchasing department moved into the building in 1975.

In 1983 the building was dedicated as the New York State Center for Advanced Optical Technology, which over time was truncated to New York State Center for Advanced Technology. New York State Optics or simply NYS Optics.

The original building was dug into the side of a hill adjacent to the Erie Railroad.  The construction of Intercampus drive in the 1970s eliminated most of the hill and a new entrance was added to the southeast side of the building. 

The building is notable for a propane tank on the east end painted to resemble a pink pig.


References
1957 "Atomic Energy Commission Supports Nuclear Research," Rochester Review 19(2):6 (November 1957)
Two new one-story buildings are virtually completed on the River Campus for expansion of the physics research facilities, both finances by a $200,000 grant from the A.E.C. One is an addition to the synchrocylotron facilities and the other is a particle physics building.

1975 "Energy Cuts Generate Savings," Campus Times, September 16, 1975, Page 1.
The purchasing offices have been moved into the Particle Physics Building.

1977 History of the University of Rochester, 1850-1962, by Arthur J. May.  Expanded edition with notes
Chapter 37, In Pursuit of Excellence
For the advancement of knowledge in particle physics, a low brick structure was erected (1958) due south of Taylor Hall.

1983 "New optics site nears completion," Campus Times, October 31, 1983, Page 1.

1983 "UR to dedicate center for optical technology to benefit industry," Democrat and Chronicle, December 8, 1983, Page 3B.
New York State Center for Advanced Optical Technology


© 2021 Morris A. Pierce