Location: Kansas City, Kansas
Year Completed: 2012
Size: 104,584 SF

The University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) has three interconnected biomedical research structures housing over 225,000 SF, which were built between 1936 till 1963. Over the years, life-safety and environmental codes have become more restrictive, national security issues are more demanding regarding laboratory research components (chemicals, specimens, agents, etc.), and recruitment of quality scientists is much more competitive. Since the design and construction of these facilities, there have been technical advancements as well as a shift towards a more integrative and collaborative approach towards research.

HMN Architects was hired by the KUMC to gut and renovate the older areas and transform them into modern, efficient and reliable research facilities. This project includes:

• Renovation of 95,000 SF of biomedical research labs and offices to new collaborative BSL-2 level labs and offices within three distinct buildings
• Renovation of 3,500 SF of biomedical research labs and offices to new collaborative BSL-3 level labs and offices
• Installation of fire sprinklers for fire suppression of the combined facilities
• Replacement of windows with new high efficiency windows
• Replacement of roof with new energy efficient roof
• New mechanical towers to support the renovated space