A $15 million donation from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation will begin transformation of what has been a leisurely pastime for University of Utah students into the future of Utah's investment in technology research.

Instead of an 18-hole, 11-acre golf course, which currently separates much of the medical and technological research and development happening at the U., Sorenson's donation sets the stage for a new four-building complex as well as at least a dozen intramural playing fields, including room for lacrosse and rugby matches, and possibly a new running track.

"We are always looking for ways in which to expand the intensity of the student experience," said U. President Michael K. Young. "We want to make the green space usable in the best way we can."

The donation, made public Saturday evening, is a large part of fund raising for the anchor of a new "interdisciplinary quadrangle" linking the upper and lower campus, as well as making possible the first of Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative buildings on campus. Administrative offices for the $500 million statewide initiative are located downtown.

"It's an embodiment of something that our family has been involved in for a long time — finding the best technology and innovations available and adding our own," said James Lee Sorenson, son of the late James LeVoy Sorenson, who began the Sorenson Legacy Foundation. "With Utah's combination of higher education, research and innovation, we can lead the world in biomedical development."

Lawmakers have pledged $100 million toward building the first 193,000 square-foot biomedical and neurosciences building, while Young said other donations are in place — in addition to that of the Sorenson Legacy Foundation — to make up all but $4 million of the $130 million construction cost.

The facility, which will house up to five of USTAR's world-renowned research teams, is expected to break ground either late spring or early fall next year and will take about 30 months to build. It will house laboratories for advanced imaging, neurosciences, nanotechnology and biomedical science research and will be called the James L. Sorenson Molecular Biotechnology Building.

The building, located at the southwest corner near Federal Way and Wasatch Drive, is the first in a planned 800,000 square-foot interconnected complex that will include expanded transit options expected to facilitate cooperation of disciplines across campus.

"At the end of the day, we are not only producing great knowledge but also producing the next generation of researchers," Young said, adding that research is critical to advancing education.

The land the golf course occupies is a commodity for the institution, while others in the state are grabbing at available purchases. Young sees it as an opportunity for the U. to add to the scope of Utah's higher education responsibilities, as well as using it to accomplish goals unique to the U.

"It's a very fitting way to recognize my father's life," Sorenson said. "He was always taking ideas and technology and working with the community to accomplish more."

The donation was one of many announced during the university's "Together We Reach" fund-raising campaign gala Saturday night.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com