Illinois Institute of Technology

Converting some 300,000 sf of existing and unused engineering research facilities into state-of-the-art biomedical and chemical research laboratories, the first phase of Illinois Institute of Technology’s LEED certified University Technology Park preserves an architecturally and historically significant Mies van der Rohe-inspired building while replacing outdated, inefficient building systems. The extensively renovated and redesigned complex integrates three existing structures – the IITRI Life Science Research Center, Incubator Building, and Technology Business Center – into one sustainable facility.

Original single-pane wood windows, restored to meet the stringent requirements of historic preservation guidelines, were made more energy-efficient with an innovative secondary interior glazing and insulation system. Exterior facades were carefully restored and reused. The Technology Business Center is part of a LEED pilot program for shell and core construction, with tenant standards developed for subsequent tenant buildouts.

• Campus is served by commuter trains and buses
• Project was developed in urban area with existing infrastructure, protecting greenfield sites and natural habitats
• Site was reclaimed from underutilized urban setting
• Highly reflective roofing materials reduce heat-island effect
• Low-cutoff exterior fixtures avoid contributing to night-sky pollution
• Extensive onsite stormwater retention system reduces municipal stormwater load

• Historically significant structure revitalized to meet contemporary standards for energy efficiency and air quality

• Carbon dioxide monitoring system provides feedback on ventilation performance
• Indoor air quality management plan, no-smoking policy, and low-VOC paints, carpets, adhesives, and sealants preserve indoor air quality
• New skylight introduces natural light into an interior atrium
• Natural daylight introduced throughout lab spaces

• Dedicated storage and collection area provided for recyclable materials
• 100% of existing building shell was retained
• 50% of collected construction waste was recycled or salvaged
• 10% of building materials were reused
• 20% of building materials were manufactured regionally; 50% of these were harvested locally
• 50% of all wood-based materials are Forest Stewardship Council certified
• 5% of building materials are rapidly renewable

• Building systems commissioning verifies implementation and performance
• HCFC-free and halon-free refrigeration and fire-suppression equipment prevent ozone depletion

• Water-efficient plumbing fixtures such as low-flow faucets and toilets reduce potable water usage
• Indigenous plant species in landscape design eliminate need for irrigation

• Renovation and reconstruction of incubator building and portions of Technology Business Center, IITRI Center, and vivarium and toxicology suites
• Wet and dry labs
• Office and major equipment shared tenant support spaces
• BSL-3 labs
• Analytical chemistry and molecular and cell biology labs
• Expanded offices and research archives