Melrose Park Research & Development Suite Conversion

3,500 sq ft | Summit

Through a long-standing relationship, this Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company engaged Berkowsky and Associates, Inc. (BAI) to provide interior renovations in a design and construction management capacity. Relocating the program from Chicago, this new suite is designed to accommodate research and development in cancer and immunology with requirements to manage potent compounds.

The design and construction team phased the labs within the suite for users to occupy in kind. Site work included rerouting sanitary and chemical waste lines underground and pouring new concrete. Interstitial floors contain the mechanical systems servicing each space allowing for end-user customization. BAI conducted stakeholder interviews including client executives and laboratory researchers to inform programming.

The project team expedited specifications through the reuse of existing equipment and throughout the project. Specialty equipment includes biosafety cabinets and fume hoods with piped oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, compressed air, and vacuuming, with a HEPA exhaust filter system designed for 15 air changes per hour.

This is the largest, most complex laboratory suite on site, and it contains three distinct, secure spaces for researchers to manage complex compounds and mitigate cross-contamination between rooms. The suite is designed for one-way entry through a gowning airlock and one-way exit through a decontamination misting shower, with stainless steel wall-mounted pass-throughs between spaces.

The completed program includes specialty laboratories using Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) compounds and lyophilization development operations with both controlled and classified areas. Security design monitors use of each lab space and limits access for the safety of users as well as the testing environments.

The finished design supports the client’s vision and enables their mission for continued innovation.