William Eckhardt Research Center

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 level

Penthouse under construction, May 2014.

facade

Building enclosure nearing completion, May 2014.

curtain wall construction

Progress of curtain wall installation, April 2014.

Glass panels

Installation of the curtain wall underway, March 2014.

View from Mansuetto

Concrete structural frame is complete, March 2014.

pipes

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing installation.

Exterior

Construction progress as of February 2014.

Northwest Aerial - William Eckhardt Research Center

corner view facade

View from the corner of Ellis Avenue and 56th Street.

facade

View from 56th Street.

South View at Ellis - William Eckhardt Research Center

Science Quad - William Eckhardt Research Center

Rebar

Preparation for concrete pour

Crane

Crane used for erection of above ground structure

Construction site

View of lower level construction

Construction site

Overview of floors below grade

How Do I?

UChicagoSocial: Facilities Services