Multi-building assignment will transform the east end of Washington University’s Danforth Campus.
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. has started construction of a multi-building project that will transform the east end of Washington University’s Danforth Campus into a hub for state-of-the-art research and teaching, as well as a vibrant green space.
As construction manager, McCarthy will implement a comprehensive plan that includes the construction of three new academic buildings, two multi-use pavilions, an underground parking facility and a new expansive landscape. It also includes an expansion of the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum.
“These enhancements will expand the university’s capacity for academic programs, create opportunities for greater interdisciplinary interaction and transform the campus entrance,” says JD Long, associate vice chancellor for facilities planning & management at Washington University in St. Louis. “The project will advance the university’s academic mission while creating a more collaborative, welcoming campus environment.”
Major components of the east end transformation include:
- Anabeth and John Weil Hall, an 82,100-sq.-ft. interdisciplinary building, will serve as the new front door to the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts.
- The 25,500-sq.ft. Gary M. Sumers Welcome Center will house Undergraduate Admissions and Student Financial Services.
- Henry A. and Elvira H. Jubel Hall is a 80,600-sq.-ft. building that will house the School of Engineering & Applied Science’s Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science.
- The School of Engineering & Applied Science’s Department of Computer Science & Engineering will be located in the new James M. McKelvey, Sr. Hall.
- The new Ann and Andrew Tisch Park will provide a campus gathering place and expanded green space.
- A 5,600-sq.-ft. addition to Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum will enable the museum to showcase a larger portion of its world-class collection and expand its exhibition program.
- The Craig and Nancy Schnuck Pavilion, an 18,000-sq.-ft. multi-use facility, will bring together a range of dining options, academic programs, the Office of Sustainability, and resources for pedestrian and bicycle commuters.
- A new 790-space underground parking facility will provide convenient, safe and accessible parking.
“McCarthy is honored to partner with Washington University on this transformative project that will reshape the eastern end of the Danforth campus,” says McCarthy Project Director Ryan Moss. “Our team is uniquely skilled in coordinating the complex details and phasing to maximize quality, efficiency, safety and value for the university and broader St. Louis community.”
Reflecting Washington University’s strong commitment to the development of workforce diversity, the project team includes extensive participation of local certified minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE).
Sustainability is a high priority as well, with all new buildings targeting LEED Gold certification. Solar photovoltaic arrays located on many of the roofs will generate renewable electricity. High-efficiency heat recovery chillers will harvest waste heat for much of the heating needs, and the underground garage will be capped with a green roof to create a dynamic, car-free park above. The park’s landscape design features rain gardens with bio-retention, native plantings and a diverse tree canopy. Low-carbon transportation will be encouraged with a new bike commuter facility that includes showers and lockers, electric vehicle charging stations, and a network of bicycle and pedestrian pathways to link the campus to Forest Park and regional greenways.
The majority of the construction is anticipated to be completed prior to spring 2019 commencement.
Ongoing project updates and related resources are accessible at campusnext.wustl.edu.
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is the oldest privately held national construction company in the country – with more than 150 years spent collaborating with partners to solve complex building challenges on behalf of its clients.
