Northwestern University Opens Biomedical Research Center

Northwestern University opened the $560 million Louis A. Simpson and Kimberly K. Querrey Biomedical Research Center in Chicago in June of 2019. Designed by Perkins+Will, the 12-story, 625,000-sf facility provides the Feinberg School of Medicine with integrated laboratory neighborhoods for the study of cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Featuring interconnected floors with two-story collaboration spaces to encourage scientific interactions, the building houses faculty and administrative offices, core instrumentation suites, and labs for biomedical engineering, developmental biology, human molecular genetics, immunology, and regenerative medicine. The facility also houses the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, a 160-seat auditorium, an atrium, a conference center, a gallery, and a student commons. LEED Gold sustainable design certification is being sought for the project, which is illuminated by abundant natural light and topped by a blue roof that can retain up to six inches of storm water for up to 48 hours. Construction on the building began in August of 2015. A planned second phase of construction includes the vertical expansion of the structure by up to 16 floors.