This dramatic 11-story renovation incorporates current technologies and research laboratory design into the eminent Mary Ellen Jones Laboratory building, originally constructed in 1978 on the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine campus. The building’s mechanical and electrical infrastructure is completely overhauled to support the cutting-edge research occurring in the labs, research areas, and vivarium. Architectural features are also transformed with the removal of the building’s exterior precast envelope and replacement with energy-efficient curtainwall systems, complete with light shading elements.

The first floor vivarium, along with existing research spaces on floors three and four, remain in operation while floors six through ten undergo complete renovations to meet the updated UNC wet lab standards.  The second floor mechanical spaces receive a staged rebuild and complete systems replacement; the existing fifth floor is used as a mechanical transition floor during the renovations. The eleventh floor is left ready for build-out at a future date.