Chicago, IL

Northwestern University Simpson Querrery Biomedical Research Center

Architects

Perkins + Will

Engineer

Affiliated Engineers, Inc.

General Contractor

Power Construction

Electric Contractor

Gibson Electric

Close up view of an electrical panel inside of a hospital room

Value Delivered

We provided comprehensive electrical construction services for this 630,000-square-foot high-performance research and laboratory building on the Chicago campus of Northwestern University. The building features 13 floors of dedicated laboratory space, with plans for a vertical expansion of an additional 16 floors of laboratory space (totally an additional 700,000 square feet).

Taking a design-build approach, our VDC and BIM team worked with the general contractor and the design team, helping enhance efficiency and project quality. Our contributions helped this project earn LEED Gold certification.

Client Objectives

The client sought to establish a modern facility for scientific innovation and collaboration, providing critical research space at their Chicago campus.

Solutions

Gibson provided:

  • Complete electrical distribution system for normal and emergency power, including high-performance lighting and power requirements for the laboratory environment
  • Telecommunications systems
  • Fire alarm system
  • Security system
  • Clean/sterile room installations

Client Background

Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois. It was established in 1851 to serve the historic Northwest Territory and is the oldest chartered university in the state of Illinois.