The Kentucky Energy Research Center was the second building located on the Kentucky Energy Research Park campus on Ironworks Pike. Now known as the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research, the facility was originally designed to support research related to the conversion of coal to energy, including coal gassification.
The building featured approximately 20 full-service research laboratories, including one high profile advanced lab designed to accommodate explosions through a blowout exterior wall panel and specialized fume hoods. The design also incorporated cranes within the building to move heavy research equipment from the loading dock to a high bay research lab.
In addition to administrative support areas, collaboration and interaction between researchers was encouraged through the inclusion of common areas, lounges and conference spaces throughout the facility.
The building was designed by McCloney & Tune, which was the original name of Omni Architects.