- CSU completed the structural “topping-out” milestone for the ATLAS Facility
- 77,626-square-foot building will house three of the world’s most powerful laser systems
- $160 million project backed by public-private partnership with Marvel Fusion
- Collaboration includes U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Defense
- Facility designed to support fusion energy, materials science, and advanced research
- Substantial completion expected in December 2026
Colorado State University has reached a key construction milestone for its Advanced Technology Lasers for Applications and Science (ATLAS) Facility, marking the placement of the final structural steel beam at its Foothills Campus.
The topping-out signifies completion of the structural steel framework for the two-story, 77,626-square-foot building, which is designed to house three of the most powerful laser systems globally. The facility is expected to position CSU as a leader in next-generation laser science and technology.
Strategic investment in advanced research
The ATLAS Facility is being developed through a collaboration between Tetrad Real Estate, SWBR, and McCarthy Building Companies. It is designed to serve as a testbed for emerging technologies, particularly in fusion energy, advanced materials characterization, and fundamental scientific research.
University leadership emphasized the broader national implications of the project, highlighting its role in strengthening U.S. competitiveness in areas such as fusion energy and directed-energy technologies. The facility is expected to foster collaboration across academia, industry, and government.
Public-private partnership and federal collaboration
The $160 million project is anchored by a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership between CSU and Marvel Fusion, with additional support from federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Defense.
A key feature of the facility will be its cluster of high-intensity, high-repetition-rate lasers capable of firing simultaneously at a single target—an advancement intended to accelerate innovation in high-energy physics and related fields.
Construction progress and next steps
The structural phase involved 590 tons of steel installed across five sequences, following extensive foundational work that included more than 7,300 cubic yards of concrete delivered via over 700 truckloads.
With the structural framework complete, construction will now shift to enclosure, mechanical and electrical systems, and specialized interior buildouts for cleanroom and laboratory environments. The facility remains on track for substantial completion in December 2026.
Information sourced from the company’s press release issued by McCarthy Building Companies.
