The Federal Bureau of Investigation has started construction on what is being described as the agency’s state-of-the-art hub where FBI’s multiple divisions with a technological focus will be able to work and train together.

“This facility will significantly enhance the FBI’s technical capabilities as well as provide FBI partners with the opportunity to train and collaborate on new tools and techniques,” said an FBI spokesperson. “The FBI hopes this tech-focused, high energy aesthetic building will also help attract and retain talent to grow its workforce.”

The FBI Innovation Center, the 250,000-square-foot flagship building of the FBI’s new Science and Technology District at Redstone Arsenal, will be a first-of-its-kind facility dedicated to threat intelligence, data analytics and training to combat emerging threats.

The three-story building will include collaborative office space, formal and informal auditoriums, “collision spaces” for impromptu learning encounters, and specialized training spaces including a kinetic cyber range and virtual reality classroom for agents to test and apply their skills and tools in real-world settings.

Long before the ceremonial turning of the dirt, workers from the Redstone Garrison played an important role in helping facilitate the FBI’s move to the Arsenal.

The Garrison’s involvement in the project began around 2009 when the FBI was conducting a number of site visits to see where they wanted to locate such a facility. “Long story short, it seemed like there was some potential here,” said Jake Roth, division chief for the Directorate of Public Works master planning.

HKS is collaborating with Clark Construction on the project. In addition to the Innovation Center, the HKS-Clark team’s scope of work also includes a central utility plant, dining facilities, and an outdoor quad on the new Science and Technology District. The FBI Innovation Center is slated to completed in 2023.

Ray Garner is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News.