New greenhouse coming to U of I's Research Park

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCCU) — A new state-of-the-art greenhouse is coming to the University of Illinois' Research Park.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is a big part of why it's happening.

Several representatives from the foundation and the university showed up for the groundbreaking on Wednesday.

The greenhouse will support a research project that will allow plants to turn the sun's energy into food.

"Every plan will be weighed continuously, every second of the day, every day of the year, so we'll be able to determine how quickly it's growing," said UI professor Stephen Long.

The greenhouse will be located on Fourth Street.

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It's scheduled to be completed in September 2020.