Old Dominion University, HRC One and the City of Suffolk Economic Development Authority have announced that Old Dominion University will acquire the Virginia, Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC) building from HRC VMASC, LLC. The announcement follows a closed EDA meeting held last week on the topic.

This permanent investment will expand research and economic development efforts aimed at attracting new modeling, simulation and visualization (MS&V) companies by creating accelerator facilities and services at VMASC, according to a city press release.

“ODU is a strong educational resource to our community. With the modeling and simulation industry growing at such a rapid pace, the city of Suffolk continues to be excited about the opportunity to be a part of this momentum,” said Harold Faulk, Economic Development Authority Chairman. “The purchase of this building by ODU shows their long-term commitment to our community and for our citizens. Suffolk realizes that the quality of our community tomorrow will be based on the quality of our students’ preparation today.” ODU had previously leased the VMASC building, adjacent to the Tri-Cities Higher Education Building, which it currently owns.

“This investment enables Old Dominion University and the City of Suffolk to strengthen our collaborative efforts in attracting new modeling, simulation and visualization firms and expanding Hampton Roads’ national reputation as a hub for MS&V activity,” said ODU Acting President John R. Broderick.

Old Dominion’s VMASC building and Tri-Cities Higher Education Center were developed and opened in November 2007 by HRC One, LLC and HRC VMASC, LLC, and are located in the MAST Center at Hampton Roads Crossing astride the Suffolk-Portsmouth border.

VMASC trains graduate students in MS&V and also serves as a research and development center that supports government/military entities and private industry.

Established by ODU in 1997, it has been a catalyst for the growth of the MS&V sector, both in the region and state.