Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Constructs Health Sciences Building

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is building a $105 million health sciences building for the School of Pharmacy and the School of Nursing. Designed by Lamar Johnson Collaborative and Christner Architects, the 176,000-sf facility will offer teaching and research labs, a vivarium, and modern classrooms and study areas. As well as administrative offices, the three-story structure will accommodate programs in pharmacogenomics, synthetic chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology. A technology-rich simulation training lab and a wet lab will enable nursing students to gain vital skills and competencies.

The new health sciences building promises to revolutionize the education of healthcare professionals and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, positioning SIUE to achieve a measurable impact on the provider shortages affecting healthcare delivery in rural Illinois. Supported by funding from the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, the development includes considerations for seismic loads to improve earthquake resistance, and is slated to achieve LEED Silver sustainable design certification. Delivered by a joint venture of Clayco and Poettker Construction, the project broke ground in September of 2023 and completion is expected in summer of 2025. HOK is serving as bridging documentation architect.