Cortex

Cortex is a multi-tenant laboratory building within a biotech research and development district in St. Louis, Missouri. The design of the building is informed by the public and entrepreneurial nature of the research mission, with a dynamic façade that not only holds the street edge, it tilts out toward the public space. Fenestration along the length of the façade brings natural light into each laboratory suite and allows views in from the sidewalk. A two-story lobby cuts through the building, allowing chance interactions between laboratory tenants.

This building obtained the nation’s first core and shell LEED certification and was the first in the growing Cortex district in St. Louis. Sustainable building practices were key to delivering this design-build project, which included using finishes and materials with low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels to reduce air pollution.

The facility’s design and construction addressed the needs of biotech companies by incorporating several core and shell features. The building’s floor slabs were designed to allow the future installation of vibration-sensitive equipment. The building’s north façade features contemporary cantilevered glass. The south façade consists of site-cast concrete wall panels set at varying angles. A dramatic three-story atrium lobby is warmly finished in stone, wood, and fabric.

LJC designed spaces for several tenants, including Biogenerator, Pfizer, and Stereotaxis.