University of Wisconsin-Madison Opens Veterinary Medicine Expansion

The University of Wisconsin-Madison opened a 145,000-sf expansion of the School of Veterinary Medicine in November of 2023. Designed by Flad Architects and Foil Wyatt Architects & Planners, the three-story addition connects to the original building at each level, doubling the size of the small animal hospital and tripling the space dedicated to infectious disease research. Laboratories for basic discovery are complemented by ABSL-3, BSL-3, and BSL-2 environments for working with influenza, SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, and more.

New clinical facilities include specialized operating rooms, an interventional cardiology suite, a cancer center with dedicated patient access, and small animal isolation areas. Expanded diagnostic imaging capabilities will enhance patient outcomes with new X-ray and ultrasound suites, PET and CT instruments, and an MRI that can accommodate both small and large animals. A covered, enclosed arena will allow gait and lameness examinations to proceed year-round, accompanied by isolation suites for species such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Providing instructional venues and student collaboration spaces, the development also houses conference rooms, offices, and a market café. 

Affiliated Engineers designed the structure’s robust mechanical systems to support separate hospital and laboratory functions. Multiple energy recovery technologies will advance the university’s sustainability objectives while ensuring the safety and comfort of all occupants. General contractor C.D. Smith broke ground on the expansion in June of 2021. The $152 million project includes the partial renovation of the existing veterinary building to offer modern settings for learning, clinical care, and research, as well as a remodeled BSL-3 lab. These upgrades are now underway, augmented by the creation of a rooftop terrace and an outdoor courtyard. Completion is expected in late 2024.