VCU da Vinci Center Announces Grand Opening of Shift Retail Lab at VCU

October 4, 2021 by Lloyd Young

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Richmond, Virginia: In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week and VCU Homecoming Week, the VCU da Vinci Center has planned multiple events to introduce an exciting new retail space to the community. Shift Retail Lab at VCU will support founders with retail space, office space, and serve as a front door to the robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Richmond.

Shift Retail Lab at VCU is a multifunctional retail space where past and present VCU students can showcase their work to gain insights and test their products, services, and ideas with real world customers. Shift aims to excite and empower innovative ideas and showcase the diverse talent on and off campus. The 2700 sq ft facility is conveniently located across the street from the VCU Siegel Center at 1235 West Broad St.

Construction of Shift Retail Lab is made possible thanks to a partnership with Mark Hourigan and Hourigan Group. Branding created by students from VCU Brandcenter.

“The Shift Retail Lab will really help accelerate our growing culture of student entrepreneurship at VCU. Current and former students will be part of an urban learning laboratory that will prepare them for real-world opportunities. I thank all of our faculty, staff and partners for bringing this idea to life, especially Mark Hourigan for making the construction possible.”
President Michael Rao, Ph.D., President of Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Health System

“Hourigan has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with VCU, and we are especially proud to be in partnership on the SHIFT Retail Lab. Building out the space was certainly an important first step, and we are particularly excited for what’s next. Going forward the Hourigan team will work in collaboration with students and entrepreneurs as we focus on real-world building solutions that will ultimately enhance communities and advance our world.”
Mark Hourigan, Founder and CEO, Hourigan Construction

“The launch of SHIFT represents the da Vinci Center’s commitment to innovative academic and experiential learning in collaboration with our community. Mark Hourigan and his team have delivered a world class facility, the first of its kind in the country, and consistent with our commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration SHIFT will be available to all VCU students. Access to innovative facilities like SHIFT provide students with unique learning opportunities and allow greater participation and partnership with the local community.”
Garret Westlake, Executive Director, VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation