Steven and Susan Lipstein BJC Institute of Health
Saint Louis
BEST PROJECT
Presented by Constructors Alberic
Owner: Washington University School of Medicine
Main design company: Llorenç Group
General contractor: Constructors Alberic
Civil Engineer: Stock & Associates
Structural Engineer: KPFF
MEP: IMAGE
This project demonstrates that large-scale construction can coexist with critical biomedical work without disruption. The Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis expanded its Steven & Susan Lipstein Health Institute by adding six floors on top of an occupied six-story research building.
Completed in 2024, the 160,000-square-foot vertical expansion includes state-of-the-art laboratories, 7,900 square feet of biosafety level 3 space and a 43,000-square-foot mechanical attic. Construction in a busy medical plaza required strict safety and vibration control to protect sensitive ongoing research.
Lance Cage’s photo
The project team overcame obstacles such as column misalignment, supply chain delays, and redesigns through advance purchasing, on-site steel modifications, and real-time BIM coordination.
Photo by Drew Edelstein
Controlled deliveries, temporary walkways and constant communication with investigators ensured the safety of occupants, staff and pedestrians.
Lead times of up to 70 weeks for mechanical equipment and rapidly escalating steel prices led to early procurement of critical materials.
Photo by Tyler Warre
The team worked together to calculate and source critical steel decks for the sequence which had a 14 month lead time before finalizing the structural design.
