• Gensler has been selected as architect for Colfax Corner, a mixed-use research and office development in downtown South Bend, Indiana.
• The first phase will adaptively reuse the former South Bend Tribune building, which has been vacant since 2019.
• A new five-story research and office building is planned at Colfax Avenue and Main Street.
• The project will include approximately听202,000 square feet听of new and renovated innovation and research space, with about one-third planned for University of Notre Dame programs.
• A central courtyard, caf茅,听retail听and meeting spaces will connect the historic Tribune building with the new construction and provide public-facing gathering areas.

By Lindsey Coulter

SOUTH BEND, Ind. 鈥� Gensler has been selected as the architect for Colfax Corner, a mixed-use research and office development in South Bend.

The project, led by Ancora in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame and the City of South Bend, will include the adaptive reuse of the former South Bend Tribune building and construction of a new five-story research and office building. The development is planned to provide approximately听202,000 square feet听of new and renovated innovation and research space.

The Tribune building, which has been vacant since 2019, served as the home of South Bend鈥檚 daily newspaper from 1921 to 2019. The Art Deco-era building has been nominated for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Colfax Corner is intended to incorporate the existing building into a larger district focused on research,听entrepreneurship听and advanced industries.

Adaptive Reuse and New Construction

The first phase will center on the renovation and adaptive reuse of the Tribune building. A new five-story building at Colfax Avenue and Main Street will complement the historic structure and provide听additional听research and office space.

According to the project team, about one-third of the听202,000 square feet听will be occupied by Notre Dame for research,听innovation听and community engagement programs. The remaining space will be available to companies in fields including advanced computing, data听analytics听and artificial intelligence.

Gensler’s design approach draws from the Tribune building’s existing architecture while听establishing听a contemporary identity for the new construction. The Tribune’s facade and interior features will be听retained听as part of the adaptive reuse, while the new building will use proportions, vertical听elements听and materials that reference the historic structure.

The new building is planned with a terracotta-colored facade intended to relate to the brick of the Tribune building. A transparent bridge will connect the two structures while听maintaining听a visual distinction between听the historic听and contemporary buildings.

Courtyard Creates Central Gathering Space

The site design also includes a central courtyard that will serve as a shared arrival and gathering area. The courtyard will connect to caf茅, retail,听meeting听and lobby spaces and provide access听between听the buildings.

Anderson Bohlander, an Indiana-based landscape architecture firm, has been selected to lead the landscape design. Its work will focus on the courtyard and a mid-block entry intended to听establish听connections between the buildings and activate the ground level.

The project team said the design references the Tribune building’s historical role as a place where the public could听observe听the newspaper’s operations. When the Tribune opened in 1912, large plate-glass windows along Lafayette Street provided views into the building’s printing operations.

Research and Innovation Focus

Colfax Corner is planned as part of South Bend’s emerging Tech & Talent District. The development is expected to provide space for Notre Dame programs as well as private-sector companies whose research and development activities complement the university’s areas of expertise.

The project is also being developed in alignment with the city’s 2045 Master Plan, according to the project team.听The plan calls for continued investment in South Bend’s urban core and economic development.

“Design will define how this place feels and functions, creating an environment built for collaboration, discovery and long-term economic strength,” said Josh Parker, CEO of Ancora, in a statement.

Meghan Webster, Co-managing Director at Gensler Chicago, said the project will combine the Tribune building’s historic character with new uses and development.

“By reimagining the historic Tribune building and its surroundings, Colfax Corner will bring new life to an underused corner of downtown South Bend,” Webster said in a statement.

Shannon Cullinan, executive vice president at Notre Dame, said the project will provide space for research and employment while introducing dining and retail uses to the area.

Construction timing and听additional听project details were not included in the announcement.

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• The University of Rhode Island says close to 40 construction projects across its campuses are expected to be completed in time for the 2026-27 academic year.听
• A $99 million Fine Arts Center renovation is nearing completion, with a ribbon-cutting scheduled for Sept. 14.听
• Major longer-term work includes a $42 million renovation of Meade Stadium and a housing project that will add more than 1,100 beds by fall 2028.听
• URI is also advancing athletics, research, dining, infrastructure, roofing, HVAC, fire alarm and accessibility projects across the Kingston and Narragansett Bay campuses.听

KINGSTON, R.I. 鈥� The University of Rhode Island (URI) is moving through a wide-ranging summer construction program that includes academic, athletic, housing, research and infrastructure projects across its campuses.听

According to 听close to 40 projects are expected to be completed before the 2026-27 academic year, according to URI鈥檚 Facilities Group. Among the most visible is the renovation of the 58-year-old Fine Arts Center in Kingston. The $99 million project includes a new 71,000-square-foot, three-story academic building with a theater lobby, art gallery, digital art and media areas, recording studios and modern classrooms. A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Sept. 14.听

Athletics projects are also reshaping the Kingston Campus. Work on a new outdoor track and field complex is nearing completion as part of an $83 million overhaul of on-campus athletic facilities. The complex includes a nine-lane track, jumping runways, a separate throwing facility, a digital听scoreboard听and a grandstand with an accessible lift to a new press box.听

At Meade Stadium, crews are building the foundation for a new east grandstand and press box. The $42 million renovation is expected to be completed by fall 2027 and will add seating, an elevator-accessible press box, food-truck听space听and a new plaza entrance. URI football will play its 2026 home schedule at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket while construction continues.听

Housing expansion is underway along Flagg Road through a public-private partnership with Gilbane. The project includes two new residence halls and reconstruction of the Graduate Village Apartments. One residence hall is scheduled to open in fall 2027, and the three new residential facilities are expected to add more than 1,100 beds to the Kingston Campus by fall 2028.听

URI is also investing听at听its Narragansett Bay Campus. The new 32,000-square-foot Ocean Robotics Laboratory is complete and occupied, while the former Sheets Building has been demolished to make way for a new ocean engineering building with a large wave tank. Construction is also beginning on the Ocean Frontiers Building, which will replace听Horn听Laboratory with modern research labs.听

Additional听summer work includes dining hall renovations, roof replacements, HVAC upgrades, elevator improvements, structural repairs at the Steam Plant, wireless fire alarm installation and sidewalk and accessibility improvements.听Farm House听Road on the Kingston Campus will remain closed through听September听while underground steam pipeline work continues.

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• UC Berkeley, the Innovative Genomics Institute,听Bakar听Labs听and Turner Construction听marked听the groundbreaking of the IGI-Bakar Labs building听on July 1.听
• The project will add laboratory,听research听and collaboration space for genomics researchers and emerging biotechnology companies.听
• The building is planned as a cornerstone of Berkeley鈥檚 Innovation Zone and will support CRISPR-based research and life science startups.听
• The July 1 announcement听identifies听Weiss/Manfredi as lead design architect and DGA as executive architect.

BERKELEY, Calif. 鈥斕齌he University of California,听Berkeley听(UC Berkeley)听has broken ground on the Innovative Genomics Institute-Bakar Labs building,听advancing a major life sciences project intended to connect academic research,听entrepreneurship听and biotechnology growth.听

The facility, designed by lead architect Weiss/Manfredi and executive architect DGA will provide laboratory, research and collaboration space for the Innovative Genomics Institute and Bakar Labs, supporting genome engineering research and companies moving from incubation into larger-scale operations.听

The groundbreaking brought together听builder听Turner听Construction as well as representatives from听UC Berkeley, the Innovative Genomics Institute, Bakar Labs,听project听partners,听researchers听and community leader听to celebrate the听significant milestone for one of the Bay Area鈥檚 major life sciences developments.听

鈥淭his groundbreaking is a celebration of partnership,鈥� said Manu Garg,听Project听Executive for Turner, according to听. 鈥淧rojects of this significance are only possible when owners, designers, builders, researchers, and community stakeholders come together around a common vision. We are honored to work alongside UC Berkeley, the Innovative Genomics Institute, Bakar Labs, and the entire project team to help create a facility that will empower the next generation of scientific breakthroughs.鈥�听

The building is expected to become part of Berkeley鈥檚 Innovation Zone and further strengthen the city鈥檚 role in biotechnology and climate-focused research. Turner said the project reflects years of planning and collaboration among UC Berkeley, IGI, Bakar Labs, philanthropic supporters, architects Weiss/Manfredi and DGA, engineers,听consultants听and construction partners.听

When complete, the new building will support IGI鈥檚 genomics research and Bakar Labs鈥� network of emerging biotechnology companies. Turner said the facility will expand capacity for CRISPR-based research while creating infrastructure for life science startups moving from early-stage incubation to growth.听

鈥淭his is a pivotal moment for genome engineering around the world, and the IGI and UC Berkeley are at the leading edge,鈥� said Jennifer Doudna, founder of IGI and Nobel laureate, according to听. 鈥淭his new building is an exciting opportunity to grow the longtime partnership between the IGI and Bakar Labs, and to show the power of combining impact-driven research and entrepreneurship in one space.鈥�听

For Berkeley, Turner said the project听represents听an investment in innovation, economic听development听and opportunity by creating space where researchers, entrepreneurs and emerging biotech companies can collaborate in听close proximity.听

Turner said the facility is intended to help discoveries made in Berkeley continue to grow and scale within the city. The groundbreaking marks the start of construction on a project positioned to support scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators working on research and technologies with broad potential impact.听

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• Vanderbilt University marked the topping out of a new right-field structure at Hawkins Field on June 16.听听
• The addition will include private suites, premium seating, two new听bars听and a new player pitching lab.听听
• When complete, the project will include about听50,000 square feet听of new or enhanced space.听听
• Construction is scheduled to continue through the offseason, with completion expected during the听VandyBoys鈥� 2027 season.听听

NASHVILLE, Tenn. 鈥� Vanderbilt University marked a major construction milestone at Hawkins Field with a June 16 topping out ceremony for the ballpark鈥檚 new right-field structure.听

The project is designed to expand the fan experience and strengthen player development resources at the baseball stadium, which opened in 2002.听

The right-field addition will house private suites, premium seating, two new bars and a player pitching lab. Vanderbilt said the project will听ultimately expand听the Hawkins Field footprint to approximately听50,000 square feet听of new or improved space, including student-athlete resources, added capacity, premium seating and expanded food and beverage options.听

At the ceremony, Vanderbilt leaders framed the work as both a facilities upgrade and an extension of the baseball program鈥檚 identity.听听

鈥淵ou can build a baseball diamond pretty much anywhere, but it takes more than chalk lines and a fence to make that ballpark part of the community,鈥� Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director Candice听Storey听Lee said at the ceremony, according to听. 鈥淎t Vanderbilt, Hawkins Field is a part of who we are, reflecting our best collaborative traditions and boldest championship ambitions.鈥�听

The project also includes more than听10,000 square feet听dedicated to a new weight room and pitching听lab,听a听component听Vanderbilt said is intended to prioritize player development alongside the upgraded spectator amenities.听

Coach Tim Corbin said the project is intended to give the facility a distinct Vanderbilt identity.听听

鈥淲e听don鈥檛听want this to look like any other ballpark in our conference. We want people who come to the ballpark to know that this is Vanderbilt,鈥� Corbin said, according to听. 鈥淲e鈥檒l be back in Omaha [for the College World Series], and this project will help us move in that direction.鈥�听

Construction will continue throughout the offseason, and Vanderbilt expects the project to be completed during the听VandyBoys鈥� 2027 season.听

The current work follows听previous听Hawkins Field renovations. Vanderbilt said a 2016 capstone gift from former听VandyBoys听player听and AL Cy Young winner David Price helped launch a campaign that delivered existing infrastructure, including hitting facilities, a听classroom听and an alumni locker room.听

The Hawkins Field project is part of the broader Vandy United growth initiative, which supports major facilities and operational improvements for Vanderbilt athletic programs.听

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• Tennessee听General Assembly approved $311 million recommended by Gov. Bill Lee for a new College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UT Health Sciences) in Memphis.
• The project totals $350 million and is planned as a 275,000- to 300,000-square-foot facility on Madison Avenue.
• UT Health Sciences said the building will support growth, including expanding the medical student cohort from 175 to 250 and the Physician Assistant Program from 30 to 60 students per year.
• The university said it must raise an听additional听$50 million in philanthropic support; construction is targeted to begin in late fall 2026, with substantial completion听anticipated听in 2029.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. 鈥斕齋tate lawmakers have approved $311 million in funding for a new College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building at UT Health Sciences, a project university leaders say will expand training capacity and support statewide workforce needs.听

The funding, recommended by Gov. Bill Lee, supports a $350 million facility planned for the Memphis campus on Madison Avenue.听The Tennessee General Assembly approved the funding April 17 for construction of the new facility, which UT Health Sciences describes as a focal point for its Memphis campus and a major investment in health care education statewide.听

The university plans a 275,000- to 300,000-square-foot building on Madison Avenue, between the College of Pharmacy Building at 881 Madison Ave. and the site of the former Holiday Inn at Madison Avenue and Pauline Street.听

鈥淭his is a transformative step for UT Health Sciences, as well as for health and health care of the people of Tennessee,鈥� Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD, said, adding that the building is intended to serve as 鈥渁 hub for training future health care professionals to practice collaborative, state-of-the-art care across Tennessee,鈥� according to听.听

UT Health Sciences said the added space would allow the College of Medicine to expand its class size from 175 to 250 students per cohort. The Physician Assistant Program would also be able to grow from 30 to 60 students per year, the university said.听

Project leaders tied the investment to workforce projections. 鈥淭his is an investment in continuing to meet the significant deficit in physicians and physician assistants in the state of Tennessee, with projections suggesting that there will be a need for 6,000 additional physicians in the state by 2030,鈥� Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Raaj Kurapati said, according to听.听

Beyond classroom and simulation space, the university said the facility will support telehealth training and increase online educational opportunities for the College of Medicine and other colleges, with the goal of growing academic certificate programs and enrollment. UT Health Sciences also said the project is expected to bolster its response to rural health care challenges in Tennessee.听

As Tennessee鈥檚 only statewide academic health science center, UT Health Sciences said it expects the new building to enable the university to graduate an听additional听1,450 health care professionals practicing in various fields during its first five years of operation.听

The state鈥檚 allocation听represents听the lead investment, but UT Health Sciences said it must raise an听additional听$50 million in philanthropic support to complete the project. That total includes $39 million toward building costs, plus听additional听funding for specialized equipment and program support.听

UT Health Sciences said HOK conducted听a strategic听space inventory and developed programming for the building. The university has selected Memphis-based brg3s architects to design the facility in collaboration with HOK. After听remaining听state approvals are received, the university said it aims to begin construction in late fall 2026, with substantial completion听anticipated听in 2029.听

This article is based on reporting originally published by UTHSC News on April 17, 2026.听

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What You Need to Know听

• Miami University鈥檚 Board of Trustees approved a resolution authorizing听the construction听of a new multipurpose arena at Cook Field.听听

• The university estimates arena construction at about听$242 million, with up to听$281 million听authorized for the arena and related ancillary costs.

• The arena is expected to be ready for the start of the athletic season in听fall 2028, addressing space and building-system challenges at the existing Millett Hall.

• Miami University also outlined intramural and recreation upgrades at the Millett Hall site and at Chestnut Fields, with construction expected to run May鈥揝eptember 2026.

Learn More听

OXFORD,听Ohio听鈥斕齅iami University鈥檚 Board of Trustees has approved plans to build a new multipurpose arena at Cook Field, a project the university says will expand event capacity, modernize athletic听operations听and support a broader campus events district.听

University officials estimated arena construction at approximately $242 million, with trustees authorizing up to $281 million for the arena and related ancillary costs. 听

In a statement, the university said the venue is expected to be ready for the start of the athletic season in fall 2028 and is intended to address space limitations and building-system operations and maintenance challenges at Millett Hall, the current arena.听Millett Hall opened in 1968 and initially housed men鈥檚 basketball, with volleyball and women鈥檚 basketball added in 1974. Miami said renovating Millett Hall to add practice courts and a dedicated volleyball court would听require听at least $175 million and would take the facility offline for multiple years.听听

Miami University leaders also framed the new facility as a campuswide event venue, saying it would support concurrent student activities and other major events such as commencements, concerts, creative arts performances and career fairs. 听

鈥淲e are in a unique and dynamic time for Miami University Athletics. It is time to innovate, invest, and inspire. A new arena benefits all of Miami and will serve as a gateway and beacon for the university,鈥� according to an article from Miami University.听听

President Gregory Crawford tied the project to student experience and local economic goals. 鈥淭his is a student-centered project that will create a vibrant new space intended to bring people together and support and engage our students. A new arena will provide the foundation for an events district in the heart of campus to benefit students, reinvigorate the community, and strengthen our local economy,鈥� he said in an article published by the University.听

Beyond the arena, Miami said the project will also advance recreation upgrades elsewhere on campus. Planned work includes intramural soccer and flag football fields at the Millett Hall site, along with a walking path and exercise stations. At Chestnut Fields, the university described a multipurpose complex supporting full-size soccer fields, softball fields, flag football fields, a rugby field, a lacrosse field and intramural soccer fields. 听

Construction of new recreation facilities at Millett and Chestnut Fields is expected to begin in May 2026 and be completed in September 2026, allowing Cook Field to go offline in September 2026 to begin arena construction, according to the university.听听

This article is based on reporting originally published by听Miami University听on听Feb. 27, 2026.听

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• Washington and Lee University鈥檚 Williams School building received LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.听听

• The facility opened in August 2025 and is the first W&L structure to achieve the LEED Gold level, according to the university.听听

• The project team pursued strategies tied to energy savings, indoor air quality, sustainable听materials听and construction waste diversion.听听

• W&L said the building supports broader campus sustainability goals, including a climate action plan targeting carbon neutrality by 2050.听听

Learn More听

LEXINGTON, Va. 鈥斕齏ashington and Lee University鈥檚 new听$38.3 million听Williams School building听has been awarded LEED Gold certification, marking the institution鈥檚 first structure to reach the rating system鈥檚听Gold听tier.听

The听44,500-square-foot听academic building听designed by Boston-based architectural firm Goody Clancy听and built by听Kjellstrom-Lee Construction, houses the School of Commerce, Economics and Politics. The facility听opened at the start of the 2025-26 academic year, according to the university.听

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council and evaluates building performance across categories that include energy and water efficiency, materials, indoor environmental听quality听and innovation. The university said the Williams School building received 鈥�100% of the LEED points for which it applied鈥� during the review process.听听

鈥淟EED Gold certification confirms that in both material quality and operational efficiency, this building meets an incredibly high standard of long-term value,鈥� said Steve McAllister, vice president for finance and treasurer at W&L, according to听.听

University Facilities Project Manager Rachel Rowland said sustainability was built into the project from the beginning and reflected the institution鈥檚 approach to new construction. 鈥淔rom the outset, the Williams School building was designed with sustainability as a core value,鈥� Rowland said, according to听.听

Among the building鈥檚 exterior measures, W&L cited adaptive landscaping intended to reduce irrigation needs and chemical inputs, exterior lighting designed to reduce light pollution, and stormwater controls meant to manage runoff and reduce impacts on nearby Woods Creek.听听

Inside, W&L reported use of a heat recovery chiller and other systems that contributed to a 37% building energy savings over standard code. The university also connected the building鈥檚 heating and cooling strategy to a broader campus utility upgrade intended to transition heating resources from natural gas to a low-temperature hot water system.听听

The university said it prioritized certified wood products and indoor air quality measures, including low- or no-VOC interior paints, entry mats to capture contaminants, and CO2 monitors that increase听fresh-air听intake when spaces are fully occupied.听Additional听features cited include low-flow water fixtures, bird-safe听glass听and centralized waste management systems intended to improve recycling.听听

During construction, the university reported a 96.5% landfill diversion rate.听听

W&L said the Williams School is the seventh building on campus to receive LEED recognition, and the university is also pursuing LEED review for the Lindley Center for Student Wellness that opened in August.听听

This article is based on reporting originally published by The Columns (Washington and Lee University) on Feb. 16, 2026.听听

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By Lindsey Coulter听

FULLERTON, Calif. 鈥� California State University Fullerton has reached a major construction milestone on its Engineering and Computer Science Innovation Hub, marking the topping out of structural steel work on听the $54 million project. The building is being constructed next to the college鈥檚 existing Engineering Building and is expected to open by fall 2027.听

C.W. Driver Companies is leading construction of the听Gensler-designed听Innovation Hub,听a 45,000-square-foot facility designed to support the next generation of engineers, computer听scientists听and technology leaders. University leaders and project team members broke ground on the project in June.听

The Innovation Hub is intended to serve as a collaborative, hands-on learning environment and a catalyst for discovery and industry innovation in Southern California. Planned features include dry labs supporting disciplines such as computing, robotics, materials testing and cybersecurity; makerspaces and equipment rooms to promote collaboration and efficiency; and student lounges and a wellness area designed to support student well-being.听

Cal State Fullerton leaders said the project is aimed at shaping the future of engineering and computer science education while strengthening ties between the university and regional industries.听

鈥淭he ECS Innovation Hub听represents听more than concrete and beams. It is a bold promise to our entire university and across all majors,鈥� CSUF President Ronald Rochon said听in a statement. 鈥淚t is a promise that we will equip our students with not only the technical skills, but also the collaborative spaces, real-world experiences and the mentorship needed to thrive in today鈥檚 world and lead in tomorrow鈥檚 world.鈥�听

Susan Barua, former dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, said the project reflects a broader vision for education and innovation. Barua, who retired earlier this year after a 37-year career at the university, now serves as strategic adviser for the $85 million project supported by state,听campus听and philanthropic funding.听

鈥淲e break ground not just on a building, but on a vision for what education, innovation and collaboration can achieve,鈥� Barua said. 鈥淭his hub will prepare our students not just to participate in the workforce, but to shape it.鈥澨�听

The university received a $67.5 million investment from the state for the project鈥檚 first phase, with听additional听philanthropic efforts underway to expand and enhance programming.听A 2018 university-commissioned space feasibility study found the college needed听additional听instructional space due to enrollment growth. Since then, enrollment has increased by 30%, and the number of degrees conferred has risen听nearly 250%听over the past decade, Barua听added.听

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By Neall Digert, Ph.D., MIES鈥�听

Developing athletic facilities in dense, urban environments can present a unique set of challenges. While these types of projects are often constrained by surrounding development and environmental barriers, design teams are still expected to deliver safe, high-performance spaces that support rigorous activities. At the same time, designs must anticipate the realities of climate change by embedding resilience and sustainability at every level.听

Columbia University鈥檚 Philip & Cheryl Milstein Family Tennis Center stands as a model of resilient design, demonstrating how to successfully overcome these challenges. Perched on the northern tip of Manhattan between the Hudson and Harlem Rivers, the state-of-the-art facility employs a vertical building strategy, advanced daylighting solutions and flood-resilient design concepts to create one of the most forward-thinking collegiate athletic centers in the country.听听

This project also reflects broader industry trends: . With showing that 88% of metropolitan areas gained population between 2023 and 2024, and the projecting increasingly severe storms from climate change, the importance of space-conscious, adaptive design will only continue to rise.听

Meeting the Urban Challenge听

When Perkins&Will set out to design the Milstein Family Tennis Center, the firm faced the dual challenge of replacing an aging structure within Columbia University鈥檚 Baker Athletics Complex while also reflecting the institution鈥檚 commitment to resilient, high-performance design. Given the site鈥檚 proximity to two major waterways in one of the nation鈥檚 most densely populated areas, the project required a facility that met NCAA standards with six indoor and six outdoor courts, plus training areas, locker rooms and social spaces.听

Adding to the complexity, the building had to maintain strong visual and physical connections to the surrounding park and waterfront, despite the site鈥檚 vulnerability to flooding.听

鈥淭he motto for this project was fitness for all, and our team needed to create both a functional athletic facility and a community space within a constrained footprint, on land that has narrowly escaped severe flooding in the past and faces ongoing risk in the future,鈥� said Stephen Sefton, Design Director, Principal, Perkins&Will.听

Building Up, Not Out听

To surmount the site鈥檚 restrictions, the design team implemented a vertical building strategy: elevating six indoor courts above the 100-year floodplain surrounded by resilient support areas with six more courts stacked above on the roof, with six more on the roof. This tiered design supported spatial and functional needs without compromising the surrounding landscape.听听听

By building vertically, Perkins&Will was able to incorporate social gathering areas and training amenities while also creating opportunities for more strategic integration of daylighting features and view corridors.听

Harnessing Natural Daylight听

Daylighting was a central design driver for the Milstein Family Tennis Center. To enhance visibility, comfort and energy efficiency, the design team specified Kingspan Light + Air鈥檚 with Verti-Lite grid pattern and integrated windows for the indoor courts. The translucent panels allow for abundant, diffused natural daylight while minimizing glare and thermal hotspots, key factors in .听听

鈥淣atural daylight was essential for this project, not only to reduce reliance on electric lighting, but to create an environment where athletes can perform at their best,鈥� Sefton continued. 鈥淭he UniGrid system gave us the ability to balance soft, even daylight with clear sightlines, ensuring the space feels bright, comfortable and connected to its surroundings.鈥�听

Research continues to validate these benefits. from the Lighting Research Center demonstrate that exposure to daylight influences serotonin levels and alertness, helping reduce fatigue and sharpen cognitive performance, critical in high-intensity environments such as athletic training and competition. Similarly, a peer-reviewed published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that workers with greater exposure to daylight reported higher vitality, better sleep quality and longer rest duration than those in windowless spaces. In athletic facilities, these findings reinforce the role of daylighting as a performance strategy, supporting sharper concentration, faster reaction times and improved overall well-being.听

Framed windows integrated into the translucent wall system build on this approach by introducing curated views of the Hudson and Harlem rivers. The fa莽ade鈥檚 vertical rhythm of metal fins and white cladding references Manhattan鈥檚 maritime and industrial heritage while delivering a clean, contemporary aesthetic.听

Read the full article, including more on designing for resilience and efficiency, in the .

Neall Digert, Ph.D., MIES, is Vice President, Innovation and Market Development, for Kingspan Light + Air North America.听

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By Lindsey Coulter

DETROIT 鈥� Wayne State University has broken ground on its new $200 million Health Sciences Research Building (HSRB), a 160,000-square-foot facility designed to accelerate biomedical discovery and strengthen the university鈥檚 ties to the Detroit community.

The five-story building will house research programs in oncology, neurosciences, systems biology and immunology, and metabolism and infectious diseases. University officials said the design emphasizes collaboration and flexibility, with dedicated laboratories, shared amenities and connections to surrounding health and academic facilities.

鈥淭his new building represents Wayne State鈥檚 deep and enduring commitment to improving the health and economic strength of Detroit, our region and the state of Michigan,鈥� said Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy, WSU president, in a statement. 鈥淗ere, our world-class biomedical researchers, clinicians, students and community partners will come together to solve some of the most pressing health challenges of our time, and to ensure discoveries more quickly reach the people who need them most.鈥�

The HSRB will support Wayne State鈥檚 long-standing clinical partnerships with Karmanos Cancer Institute/McLaren Health, the Detroit Medical Center and other community organizations. Designed with green infrastructure, landscaped gathering areas and outdoor seating, the project also aims for LEED Silver certification.

Dr. Bernard Costello, senior vice president for health affairs said that the project represents the University鈥檚 dedication to improving health through collaboration 鈥� not just within the university, but across the entire community. 鈥淲e are creating a space where research meets real-world impact and where our strong relationships with clinical partners and community organizations can continue to support discoveries that will shape the future of health care,鈥� Costello said.

Funding includes a $100 million commitment from the State of Michigan, with the balance provided through university resources and philanthropy. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the project will attract talent and spur economic growth. 鈥淭his new building will help Michigan attract and retain some of the brightest minds to make breakthrough medical discoveries that make a real difference in peoples鈥� lives and help them get better,鈥� she said.

The facility鈥檚 design calls for a pedestrian bridge connecting to Scott Hall and a dedicated walkway to the Elliman Research Building, creating a research corridor between basic scientists, clinicians and students. Interiors will be configured for adaptability, supporting both current and emerging technologies.

鈥淭he Health Sciences Research Building will be a powerful catalyst for advancing cancer research and care,鈥� said Dr. Boris Pasche, chair of Wayne State鈥檚 Department of Oncology and president and CEO of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

The project team includes Kramer Management as owner鈥檚 representative, HKS Architects & Designers, Osborn Engineering, the Christman Company as construction firm, and Wayne State University鈥檚 Facilities Planning and Management.

鈥淎 project of this magnitude is only possible because of the skill, vision and dedication of the many tradespeople, engineers and architects who are bringing it to life,鈥� said Bethany Gielczyk, Wayne State鈥檚 senior vice president for finance and business affairs and chief financial officer.

Design development is complete, with construction underway. Completion is targeted for early 2028.

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