2025 Midwest Best Projects
Best Higher Education/Research: Steven & Susan Lipstein BJC Institute of Health
Steven & Susan Lipstein BJC Institute of Health
St. Louis
BEST PROJECT
Submitted by Alberici Constructors
Owner: Washington University School of Medicine
Lead Design Firm: The Lawrence Group
General Contractor: Alberici Constructors
Civil Engineer: Stock & Associates
Structural Engineer: KPFF
MEP: IMEG
This project proves large-scale construction can coexist with critical biomedical work without disruption. Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis expanded its Steven & Susan Lipstein Institute of Health by adding six stories atop an occupied, six-story research building.
Completed in 2024, the 160,000-sq-ft vertical expansion includes state-of-the-art labs, 7,900 sq ft of Biosafety Level 3 space and a 43,000-sq-ft mechanical penthouse. Building in a busy medical plaza required strict safety and vibration monitoring to protect ongoing sensitive research.
Photo by Lance Cage
The project team conquered hurdles like column misalignment, supply-chain delays and redesigns through early procurement, onsite steel modifications and real-time BIM coordination.
Photo by Drew Edelstein
Controlled deliveries, temporary walkways and constant communication with researchers ensured safety for occupants, staff and pedestrians.
Lead times up to 70 weeks for mechanical equipment and the rapid escalation of steel prices led to early procurement for critical materials.
Photo by Tyler Warre
The team worked together to calculate and procure sequence-critical steel decking that had a 14-month lead time prior to finalizing structural design.
