LCM Architects renovated the 1944 Mies van der Rohe designed Engineering Research Building, creating wet and dry lab and office space for growing companies working on world-changing concepts in life sciences, biomedical engineering, medical devices and diagnostics, material, green and clean technology, food safety, information technology, and more.

Design and planning challenges included modular space-planning to provide expansion in 1,000 sf increments. Among the project’s technical challenges were low floor-to-floor heights; structural infill to subdivide the two-story space; new MEP systems; historic restoration of windows; and coordination with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

The first phase of the project consisted of a core and shell renovation, during which the base building elements and primary mechanical systems were installed. Spaces were then completed with an American Recovery & Reinvestment Act grant from the State of Illinois and the Federal Department of Economic Development.

The project received a Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Adaptive Use.