Good news from the University of Chicago

A few interesting news nuggets from Chicago's South Side:

• A new research building opened earlier this month. The Gwen and Jules Knapp Center for Biomedical Discovery will house research programs in diabetes, pediatrics, genomics, cancer and other medical specialties. Here's some info on the architecture:
  

"Designed by the award-winning Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects, the stunning $244 million building provides open, efficient, and flexible laboratory and office space designed to encourage cross-fertilization between labs. It features few walls, most of which can be changed easily, depending on research needs. The building also includes conference and lecture halls and several multi-story public and common spaces--all designed to enhance the exchange of ideas among the 80 scientific investigators and 800 personnel who will work there.

The building has an emergency power system to protect valuable research equipment, extra heavy duty air conditioning, and wireless technology throughout.

The exterior design combines a limestone base, reflecting the campus heritage, with the open, transparent feel provided by 130,000 square feet of glass-curtain walls higher up. The innovative design of the serrated west wall gives each office a view north toward downtown Chicago, as well as west over Washington Park.

Minority and woman-owned firms and workers achieved $35.7 million in economic benefit through contracts awarded and wages earned on this project."

There's a cool time-lapse video of construction HERE.

• The university's Comer Children's Hospital was named one of the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report. It ranked in the top 30 in two pediatric specialites: endocrine and diabetes (#22); and neonatal care, the care of critically ill or very premature newborns (#30).

In other news, as I am jamming to Kings of Leon this afternoon, the Lollapalooza headliner helped donate $75,000 to Comer in February.