January 14, 2005 — Funded by the Department of Energy, the Research Support Center is the most recent addition of ORNL's $300 million modernization campaign, which has also included federal, state and private investment. In addition to the visitor reception area, the $16 million Research Support Center also houses ORNL's new cafeteria and a state-of-the-art conference center.
"For many visitors, this marvelous new facility will be the first impression of the laboratory," said ORNL Director Jeff Wadsworth. "I have no doubt their first impression will be that of a modern laboratory on the move."
Beginning Tuesday, visitors to ORNL can turn directly from Bethel Valley Road into the new Visitor Center entrance, located near the laboratory's pond. Parking is in a new lot adjacent to the Visitor Center. Signs and maps direct visitors to the center, where they can meet their visit host.
Because of the east campus construction, visitors for the last four years have had to drive through the laboratory's main campus to reach the old reception area. More than 10,000 visitors come each year to ORNL.
Dominated by a two-story glass atrium, the new Visitor Center is easily visible from Bethel Valley Road. The facility is one of five new buildings built since 2002 that form a "quad" and define ORNL's new east campus.
Because of security requirements, visits by the general public to ORNL must be arranged in advance. Contact ORNL Visitor Services [x10visit@ornl.gov, (865) 574-7199], for information on how to arrange a visit to ORNL. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is managed by UT-Battelle for the Department of Energy.