KWK Architects repurposes industrial site and warehouse into office space for Washington University School of Medicine

KWK Architects is currently leading a project to repurpose nearly eight acres of industrial space into new office space for the Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM).

The original site included two single-story structures and a warehouse building totaling 183,900 sf. An existing 100,000-sf warehouse and associated infrastructure on the site were demolished to allow for the redesign. A smaller warehouse was able to remain on the site for adaptive reuse and an existing 65,000-sf warehouse was repurposed fo WUSM’s new office space and a 600-space secured parking lot.

KWK designed a new facade and roof for the single-story warehouse to bring it up to current energy codes and update the appearance. A new storefront and north- and east-facing sloped skylights bring daylight into the building’s interior spaces. The skylights were aligned with the central corridors to provide ample lighting in the building’s interior spaces.

Phase 1 of the project included 20,000 sf including office fit-outs for the Department of Orthopedics, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Neurology. Phase 2 completed 45,000 sf of space and included the Office of Vice-Chancellor of Research and Physician’s Billing Services. Phase 3 has begun planning for 35,200-sf of additional office space. Once completed, the building will house nearly 500 employees.