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