A new gift is set to change the ISU research landscape, literally as well as figuratively.

The John Deere Foundation recently donated $1.25 million to Iowa State for a new agricultural and biosystems engineering facility. The building is planned to be part of a $60 million, three-building complex that will house Iowa State’s Office of Biorenewables Programs. The complex will replace outdated classrooms, laboratories and offices.

Although the project is still in the planning stages, there has been discussion of using the space between Howe Hall and the College of Design for the location for the complex, said Brian Meyer, agriculture communications program director.

The building is expected to be completed within the next few years, depending on fundraising. The complex has an estimated cost of $60.3 million, with $12 million of the funding coming from private support.

The university plans to request that the remainder of the funding come from the state Legislature, he said.

“This is a great opportunity for the state of Iowa,” Meyer said. “This department plays a key role in using Iowa’s agriculture to produce renewable fuels products. The faculty would be doing some very important things.”

John Deere has had a long relationship with Iowa State – about 75 years – and has helped the faculty with cutting edge research, technology and equipment, said Greg Derrick, director of strategic business communications with Deere & Company.

“We power more Iowa State graduates than any other school,” Derrick said.

“We think biorenewables are a great importance to society and the state. This combined program is very valuable to John Deere.”