4340 Duncan Ave | St. Louis - Missouri |2020

Architects: Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (HOK)
Original Architects: Mauran, Russell & Crowell (1930)
General Contractor: Tarlton Corporation
Client: BOBB, LLC., (an affiliate and development arm of Washington University in St. Louis)
Photographers: Sam Fentress

The historic 1930s printing facility, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has undergone a transformative redesign with innovation at its core. As part of the Cortex Innovation Community, this iconic building has been reimagined to support the growth of tech companies in the St. Louis area. The renovation features state-of-the-art labs and flexible office spaces designed to foster collaboration and support the needs of local startups. The building is organized to highlight the groundbreaking science happening within its walls. The central zone maintains the open space where rotogravure printers once stood, while the new monumental stairs emphasize the original three-story opening.

A two-story lab takes center stage, showcasing the heart of innovation within the building. The building was strategically divided into zones to minimize the impact of mechanical shafts and to meet environmental requirements. The east side of the building is primarily designated for laboratories, while the west side is dedicated to office space. The historical requirements of the building were carefully considered, and the laboratories were located on the east side to minimize the number of mechanical shafts. Floor-to-floor heights were also studied, resulting in the elimination of the first floor for lab usage, with one area designated for shared lab services.

The renovation includes the addition of a third floor, the replacement of historic windows, a new elevator in the existing shaft, and a new elevator car and shaft. The building features modern electrical, water, and HVAC systems, along with a new roof with a walkout terrace and green roof on the 1950s building addition. The interior design takes advantage of the large historic windows to allow for an abundance of natural light, promoting wellness for those within. The two-story-high lab at the building core is surrounded by glass, showcasing the revolutionary work taking place. The workplace wraps around the lab, creating a collaborative environment. This project demonstrates the ability to take a historic building planned for its time's innovative technology and adapt it to meet the innovation of today and tomorrow. The team faced challenges in transforming the building into a flexible laboratory facility, but the result is a stunning tribute to the legacy of innovation in the building and the surrounding community.