Washington University Neurosciences Project Keeps on Track

By Eric Althoff

ST. LOUIS—Despite the challenges posed by the covid-19 pandemic, construction of Washington University’s new neuroscience research facilities is continuing. According to a recent report by the university, the $616 million, 11-story research facility at the university’s School of Medicine that commenced in the spring of 2020 is still aiming for a summer 2023 debut.

The building will be home for nearly a thousand researchers across 600,000 square feet of space. The university report said that the interior of the building will be built around various research specialties, whether it’s neurogenetics, sleep study or addiction.

McCarthy Building Companies is working on the project as general contractor in conjunction with designers Perkins+Will and CannonDesign.

The construction has continued with protocols meant to head off transmission of the virus. These measures include masking and daily health screenings at the jobsite.

The next steps, according to the university, entail building a parking garage for nearly 2,000 cars and a pedestrian bridge between the garage with the nearby St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Despite the lengthy supply chain issues and labor shortages that have affected most sectors—not just construction—the project remains on schedule to hit the summer 2023 target, the university said. This is largely due to extensive planning for the facility in the years leading up to construction.