Rush University's College of Nursing and Health Science's physically outmoded classroom building was the right site for a proposed research facility critical to Rush University Medical Center's strategic objectives. The challenge was finding an appropriate site on a landlocked urban campus to quickly relocate Rush University's 92,000 SF of classroom space.
After investigating several options, Rush decided the most practical solution was to add two 46,000 SF floors to the Armour Academic Center, an existing seven-story 150,000 SF academic facility. John H. Driscoll, Alter+Care President, who previously was responsible for Rush's real estate development activities, performed extensive studies to confirm that the building's infrastructure elevators, structural, HVAC and electrical systems was strong enough to support two additional floors.
The answer was positive and the project moved forward. To achieve a consistent solution, the construction team extended the center's existing structural system to support the enlarged structure. Trusses 72 feet long and six feet deep were erected over the glass-and-aluminum-clad building, transforming the structure from seven to nine stories while maintaining its cohesive appearance.
Intensive pre-planning limited the construction period to just 16 months and did not disrupt ongoing classes. The creative real estate solution also lets Rush University house its classrooms and offices under a single roof. The project's value-added benefits are enhanced resource sharing among colleges, and increased academic interaction.
