With an ambitious goal to become one of the country’s top three public research universities, the University of Minnesota needs top-flight facilities to attract premier researchers. It set out to develop a centerpiece building that would serve as the gateway to its new Biomedical Discovery District and offer fresh opportunities for multidisciplinary research. The Cancer & Cardiovascular Research Building unites 1,260 researchers and scientists, giving them flexible, cutting-edge laboratories for pursuing cures and therapies for life-threatening diseases. Now home to the Lillehei Heart Institute, the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and the Masonic Cancer Center, it fosters discovery and collaboration in its labs. The building welcomes the public with a large atrium, dining facility, conference spaces and an exhibit that shares the U’s storied history of medical research. -Finance &Commerce
MG McGrath Scope of Work: Exterior: MG McGrath fabricated and installed 10,600 square feet of Morin W12, .050″ Custom Silver Gray Aluminum Wall Panels in a vertical orientation on the roof and penthouse levels of the Biomedical Discovery District. MG McGrath fabricated and installed louvers, copings and flashings throughout the entire project. Interior: MG McGrath fabricated and installed resin and stainless steel finish panels in the cafe. Modified D-Set panels were installed on the main level around the main entrance and elevators on the North side.
Finance & Commerce Top Projects: University of Minnesota Biomedical Discovery District
Virtual Tour: University of Minnesota Biomedical Discovery District
The structure is energy-efficient, in line with the Minnesota B3 2030 Challenge to use 60 percent less energy than a typical building. To meet those goals, the team slashed energy consumption with total heat recovery from ventilation systems and optimized fresh air exchanges. The building also has solar shading, daylight harvesting, occupancy sensors, and a green roof that offers more than 1 acre of usable space while mitigating storm water runoff. -Finance &Commerce
Completed Project Tour: University of Minnesota Biomedical Discovery District