News Summary
Brown University is set to renovate the Prince Lab, transforming it into the Lassonde Innovation and Design Hub. This $16.75 million initiative, funded by the Lassonde Family Foundation, aims to enhance educational experiences for students through modernized facilities and expanded design resources. The renovation will create new classroom and research spaces, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial development on campus. Construction is planned to start in spring 2026 and will last approximately 18 months, marking a significant investment in the future of Brown’s students and their capabilities.
Providence – Brown University has announced a major new initiative involving the renovation of the Prince Lab, a facility that has stood for over 60 years. The ambitious project is set to transform the aging building into a vibrant campus center known as the Lassonde Innovation and Design Hub thanks to a generous $16.75 million gift from the Lassonde Family Foundation, led by Canadian businessman and philanthropist Pierre Lassonde.
The Prince Lab, located at 355 Brook St., will undergo significant changes, including the expansion and modernization of the Brown Design Workshop. This revamped workshop aims to provide students across the university with resources to design, iterate, collaborate, and build, thereby enhancing applied learning opportunities. In addition to the workshop, the renovation will create new classroom and research laboratory spaces that will further support educational activities.
University officials have highlighted their ongoing commitment to unlocking student potential, specifically in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurial development. Brown University’s president expressed heartfelt gratitude towards Pierre Lassonde for his substantial contribution, which has made this project viable. The entire renovation will be funded through the gift from the Lassonde Family Foundation alongside additional support from various donors.
Pierre Lassonde, known as cofounder and chairman emeritus of Franco-Nevada Corporation, has deep ties to Brown University, having family connections to the institution as both a parent and grandparent of current students. The intent behind the renovation is to enhance the educational experience for engineering students, while simultaneously benefiting the broader community.
Construction for the Lassonde Innovation and Design Hub is scheduled to commence in the spring semester of 2026, with plans for the project to span approximately 18 months. The new facilities are expected to foster creativity and provide ample entrepreneurial learning opportunities for students, aligning with Brown’s tradition of supporting innovation.
These enhancements not only signify a physical transformation of an aging facility but also represent a critical investment in the future capabilities of Brown’s students, encouraging them to emerge as leaders in entrepreneurship and the creation of intellectual property. The renovation is a strategic step towards amplifying Brown University’s role as a pivotal institution for innovation and design in higher education.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rhode Island Life Science Hub Allocates $3.9 Million for Expansion
Rhode Island Unveils New Terminal 5 Pier at Port of Davisville
Hasbro to Move Headquarters from Rhode Island to Boston
Hasbro Relocates Global Headquarters to Boston
Providence: A Year-Round Destination for Culture and Cuisine
Hasbro to Relocate Corporate Headquarters to Boston
Rhode Island Monthly Reveals 2025 Best of Rhode Island Winners
Local Designer Angelo Rosa Shines on Project Runway
Track 15 Food Hall Opens in Providence’s Historic Union Station
Providence Ranks Fifth as a Top Culinary Destination in the U.S.
Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Brown University Lab Gift
- Providence Journal: Brown University Labs Construction
- Providence Business News: Rhode Island Hospital Renovation
- Brown Daily Herald: Construction on New Laboratory
- Providence Business News: Brown University Receives State Bonds
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
