New Construction – Chicago or Suburbs (Below $20M)
January 11, 2025
BURR RIDGE – CISCO’s 3rd 2024 Project of the Year Feature is the top choice of New Construction – Chicago or Suburbs (Below $20M), which is the Biorational Research Center Expansion. General contractor was Leopardo; client was Valent BioSciences.
When considering submissions, judging criteria is based on: quality of construction, design, impact on the community and safety record.
Leopardo recently completed a critical expansion project for Valent BioSciences, a global leader in the research, development, and commercialization of environmentally compatible technologies for agriculture, public health, and forest health. This ambitious endeavor involved demolishing existing spaces and constructing open offices and laboratories, resulting in a total project size of 25,000 square feet.
The project featured key areas such as Synthbio Analytical, Synthbio Open Lab, Chem Analytical, DSP Growth, and a Pilot Plant. Situated in and adjacent to a previously remodeled area at Innovation Park, the project required meticulous coordination with the landlord and other tenants.
Maintaining the satisfaction and safety of existing and neighboring tenants was paramount. Leopardo prioritized open communication, sharing daily plans with building owners and stakeholders to keep all parties informed and satisfied. This proactive approach significantly reduced disruptions and fostered goodwill among tenants.
The safety team conducted weekly site visits, assessing security risks and reporting findings promptly. Daily safety meetings reinforced a culture of vigilance, supported by site-specific safety plans and weekly toolbox talks. Several of Leopardo’s subcontractors have prior experience with this type of lab-specific work. Leopardo carefully vets potential trade partners to make sure they are a good fit for the project, boasting proper expertise and a solid safety record. Leopardo ensured positive coordination among all trades with detailed BIM coordination.
From the outset, the Leopardo team focused on integrating the addition with the existing facility. The procurement of specific building materials faced complications due to pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions, leading to long lead times. The team rose to the challenge by developing tailored strategies, including maintaining a procurement log and obtaining early approvals for long lead items such as air handling units, doors, lab casework, and electrical panels.
The project also presented several logistical challenges, particularly in maintaining the overhead sprinkler line during construction. The team implemented a specialized plan to ensure safety and compliance while minimizing disruptions. Extensive sitework, including trenching and concrete cutting, was necessary due to the existing 2-foot fall from south to north across the site.
Additionally, scattered clean-out locations complicated workflow, while temporary restrooms situated 500 feet away from the active jobsite required efficient scheduling to minimize downtime. The project’s roof work also necessitated careful cutting into the existing system to install supports for new equipment, and integrating two distinct control systems for exhaust and return required meticulous coordination for operational efficiency.
The involvement of virtual build group during preconstruction facilitated effective scheduling and systems coordination. Utilizing laser scanning and reality capture three weeks post-demolition allowed the team to assess existing conditions accurately and adjust plans as needed. Additionally, 360-degree photography documented real-time progress, ensuring transparency throughout the construction phase.
Craftsmanship remained a priority, especially regarding heavy machinery and laboratory equipment installations. The team’s attention to detail underscored their commitment to quality, resulting in a facility that exceeded the high standards expected in lab environments.
As a repeat client, Valent BioSciences had prior experience with Leopardo’s capabilities, having previously collaborated on a substantial 70,000-square-foot laboratory and office build-out. This history fostered trust, allowing the team to address the complexities of the current project confidently.
Their success in installing intricate lab fixtures, fume hoods, and biological safety cabinets reassured the client of Leopardo’s commitment to quality. By strategically addressing logistical challenges of this project and building upon their history of communication and safety, Leopardo and its project partners ensured a successful expansion of the Valent BioSciences facility and awarded Leopardo its next project at Innovation Park – a $6,000,000 greenhouse expansion.
