Overview
The William Eckhardt Research Center is a 277,000 gross square foot building with a basement, sub-basement and five above grade floors. The building houses offices, conference rooms and laboratories for the Division of Physical Sciences and the Institute of Molecular Engineering. The specific Physical Science Units include Astronomy & Astrophysics and the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics. The building also houses the Pritzker Nanofabrication Cleanroom Facility.
The North Science Quadrangle has been created in the space to the west of the building featuring boulders, unique vegetation, and winding paver paths.
Project Team
- Senior Project Manager: John Ekholm
- Assistant Project Manager: Jennifer Fifield
- Architect/Engineer: HOK with James Carpenter Design Associates
- Construction Manager: W.E. O’Neil
- Project contact: John Ekholm
Milestones
Past Milestones:
- Summer 2010: Program relocation renovations began
- Winter 2011: Completion of program relocations; start of abatement and demolition
- Spring 2012: Demolition of on-site buildings
- Summer 2012: Begin construction
- Spring 2013: Complete site excavation
- March 2014: Began curtain wall installation.
- June 2014: Completed building enclosure.
Upcoming Milestones:
- Winter 2015: Target for occupancy.
- October 2015: Building dedication for William Eckhardt.
Photos
Central stair installation, March 2015.
Penthouse under construction, May 2014.
Building enclosure nearing completion, May 2014.
Progress of curtain wall installation, April 2014.
Installation of the curtain wall underway, March 2014.
Concrete structural frame is complete, March 2014.
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing installation.
Construction progress as of February 2014.
Northwest Aerial - William Eckhardt Research Center
View from the corner of Ellis Avenue and 56th Street.
View from 56th Street.
South View at Ellis - William Eckhardt Research Center
Science Quad - William Eckhardt Research Center
Preparation for concrete pour
Crane used for erection of above ground structure
View of lower level construction
Overview of floors below grade